Facts Only Huge Fans Know About Black Panther’s Ayo

Ayo and Aneka’s relationship is important to the foundation of who both of these characters are in the comics. However, “Wakanda Forever” barely showcases the two together. In fact, they are really only ever seen interacting twice, and one of those times was edited out of the film entirely in Kuwait.

Aneka is first introduced when a group of French spies are attempting to steal vibranium from a Wakanda ship, but they are thwarted by the Dora Milaje. Aneka is seen fighting with a different weapon than their spears. Ayo gives her a disapproving look when Okoye tells her to fight with their traditional weapons. The next time to two are truly seen interacting is at the end of the film, in Aneka’s house. She kisses Ayo on the forehead, and Ayo responds with, “Thank you, my love.” While a small moment, this is one of a handful of LGBTQ+ representation moments in the MCU, and it’s used to outline two characters whose love is integral to their story arc in the comics.

According to Vanity Fair, this scene was excised for Kuwait audiences “to adhere to Kuwait’s cultural sensitivities.” The argument is that the scene doesn’t do much to the overall story of the film, and was therefore deemed not necessary to be included. But huge fans know that this scene adds more depth to the characters of Ayo and Aneka.

Ayo and Aneka’s relationship is important to the foundation of who both of these characters are in the comics. However, “Wakanda Forever” barely showcases the two together. In fact, they are really only ever seen interacting twice, and one of those times was edited out of the film entirely in Kuwait.

Aneka is first introduced when a group of French spies are attempting to steal vibranium from a Wakanda ship, but they are thwarted by the Dora Milaje. Aneka is seen fighting with a different weapon than their spears. Ayo gives her a disapproving look when Okoye tells her to fight with their traditional weapons. The next time to two are truly seen interacting is at the end of the film, in Aneka’s house. She kisses Ayo on the forehead, and Ayo responds with, “Thank you, my love.” While a small moment, this is one of a handful of LGBTQ+ representation moments in the MCU, and it’s used to outline two characters whose love is integral to their story arc in the comics.

According to Vanity Fair, this scene was excised for Kuwait audiences “to adhere to Kuwait’s cultural sensitivities.” The argument is that the scene doesn’t do much to the overall story of the film, and was therefore deemed not necessary to be included. But huge fans know that this scene adds more depth to the characters of Ayo and Aneka.