The upcoming Marvel movie “Wakanda Forever” has caused a stir among fans with the announcement that the Mayan deity Kukulkan will be featured as a character in the film. However, some people are concerned about how Kukulkan will be portrayed, and whether the depiction in the movie will accurately reflect the way he is depicted in Mayan mythology.

In Mayan mythology, Kukulkan was often depicted as a feathered serpent, with a long, winding body and feathers adorning his head and neck. He was associated with many different aspects of Mayan life, including agriculture, astronomy, and the cycle of life and death. Kukulkan was seen as a powerful and benevolent deity, responsible for guiding the Mayan people and helping them to navigate the challenges of life.

In contrast, the depiction of Kukulkan in “Wakanda Forever” is much more stylized and fantastical. The character is shown with a much more angular and aggressive design, with sharp edges and bold colors that convey a sense of power and danger. While Kukulkan is still depicted as a serpent-like creature, his appearance is much more otherworldly and supernatural, emphasizing his godlike status.

One of the main differences between the depiction of Kukulkan in “Wakanda Forever” and the way he is depicted in Mayan mythology is his appearance. In the movie, Kukulkan is portrayed as a humanoid figure with wings and a feathered headdress, while in Mayan art he is typically depicted as a feathered serpent, sometimes with multiple heads. This difference in appearance may be due to the fact that the filmmakers were trying to create a more visually striking character for the movie, but it does depart from the traditional Mayan depiction of the deity.

Another difference between the movie depiction of Kukulkan and the Mayan depiction is his role in the mythology. In Mayan mythology, Kukulkan is often seen as a wise teacher and mediator between the gods and humans, responsible for bringing knowledge and civilization to the Mayan people. However, in “Wakanda Forever”, Kukulkan is portrayed as a villain, with the character being described as “an ancient god who emerges from the jungle to challenge the Black Panther”. This departure from the traditional role of Kukulkan in Mayan mythology may be seen as problematic by some fans, who feel that it misrepresents the character and his importance in Mayan culture.

Finally, there is a difference in the context in which Kukulkan is depicted in the movie and in Mayan art. In Mayan art, Kukulkan is often depicted in the context of religious and ceremonial settings, such as on temple walls or in sculptures. However, in “Wakanda Forever”, Kukulkan is being portrayed in the context of a superhero movie, which may not accurately reflect the historical and cultural significance of the character.

In conclusion, while the inclusion of Kukulkan in “Wakanda Forever” may be exciting for some fans, there are significant differences between the way he is depicted in the movie and the way he is depicted in Mayan mythology. From his appearance to his role in the mythology, there are important distinctions that may be seen as problematic by some viewers. It remains to be seen how the character will be received by fans, but it is clear that the depiction of Kukulkan in “Wakanda Forever” is a departure from the traditional Mayan portrayal of the deity.