A Black Panther spinoff show starring Danai Gurira has officially been canceled, and the queer community is rightfully distraught. The show was initially announced as being in the works in 2021, helping fans cope with the tearful, heartbreaking passing of Chadwick Boseman the previous year.
Comic fans were eager to experience the live-action magnificence of the futuristic Wakandan world and to know more about Oyoke, the gorgeous, fierce former leader of the Dora Milaje.
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According to Cosmic Book News, Marvel Studio’s executive producer, Brad Winderbaum stated: “I think fans of Okoye are going to be excited to see her come back, but I don’t think it’s going to be in a television show.” He continued, “I can’t say where and when, but I think there’s a lot to look forward to.”
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What makes this cancelation so upsetting is that despite how well-loved Okoye is within the Marvel Universe, it wasn’t enough to save her show. Disney has a long history of canceling Black superhero movies and shows, as we’ve seen with Monica Rambeau (Photon), Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur, and Luke Cage, to name just a few.
Not to mention, Disney also has a history of allegedly removing queer scenes from movies, which is pivotal to many of the superheroes like Okoye, who is canonically queer in the comics.
The queer community shouldn’t have to beg for representation, especially in 2025. And we shouldn’t have to accept crumbs eithers.
Okoye will forever be our queer queen who kicks serious butt and teaches us how to own our power.
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