New ‘Black Panther’ Rumored to Include Lesbian Romance

Marvel fans are crossing their fingers and praying to their canonically-queer comic books this week as the rumor mill churned out some fresh LGBTea on the Black Panther sequel. According to insider Murphy’s Multiverse, the movie will feature a lesbian romance!

The hot gossip is that new cast member Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You) is slated to play Aneka, whom Marvel fanatics know as the leader of the Dora Milaje, the premier female warriors of Wakanda. In the comics, Aneka is in a relationship with fellow Dora Milaje member Ayo, played by Florence Kasumba in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Kasumba is making her highly anticipated return to the role after fans couldn’t get enough of her appearance in the Falcon and the Winter Solider series on Disney+ this year. Ayo’s friendship with beloved character Bucky Barnes has everyone wanting more of Kasumba, and now, they might just get their wish—and THEN some!

Seasoned MCU followers aren’t holding their breath, though—it wouldn’t be the first time that rumors have swirled around LGBTQ representation in the films, only to leave viewers disappointed. Marvel has been making genuine steps toward queer visibility in their films, but they have a long way to go to live up to their bountifully fruity comics.

Earlier this year, fans rejoiced over the inclusion of Loki’s bisexual and genderfluid identities in the character’s Disney+ series. However, as the series progressed, many viewers felt robbed that they didn’t get to see their favorite mischievous god in an onscreen queer relationship. Others felt that his genderfluid identity was a toss-out, as it was never explicitly mentioned in the show, only pictured in small print for eagle eyed fans to catch.

But Marvel might turn things around with the release of Eternals later this year, which will feature the first gay relationship and kiss in the MCU. With any luck, Black Panther will be close behind!