A new openly-gay character will be cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe very soon, according to Avengers: Endgame directors Anthony and Joe Russo. Amid all the success that Marvel Studios has experienced over the last eleven years, the lack of diversity in their films has been a common and major criticism. It wasn't until last year with Black Panther that a person of color was the lead of one of their films, while this year's release of Captain Marvel marked the studio's first female-led movie.
These are just two films out of twenty-two, but they were important milestones nonetheless ,and have helped shape a more diverse future for the MCU. Scarlett Johansson is finally set to get a Black Widow solo movie, while Marvel's first Asian-led movie is on the way with Shang-Chi. As this push for a more inclusive franchise continues, there's been a call for the MCU to finally bring some LGBTQ characters to the screen. It was only a few weeks ago in Avengers: Endgame that a cameo from Joe Russo saw him play the first openly-gay person in the MCU, but more are said to be on the way.
During an interview with SiriusXM, Joe was asked about this cameo and which other MCU characters could also be queer. He wouldn't reveal that piece of information, saying it was a story for a different time. But, Joe did reveal that, "There is a gay character coming up in one of their films." So when will we know about said character? Joe continued by saying, "I think Kevin [Feige] will make that announcement, I'm sure, pretty soon."
This has been the latest indication by someone involved with Marvel Studios and the MCU that such an announcement and character is coming very soon. Producer Victoria Alonso previously said "the world is ready" for an openly-gay MCU character, which came on the heels of rumors that The Eternals will feature such a character, and that Marvel is looking to cast an openly-gay actor for the role. It's widely been theorized that Hercules could be the character for The Eternals, as he's been portrayed as gay in more recent iterations of the character.
Those at Marvel Studios have been saying all the right things recently about adding LGBTQ characters, but they could also reveal that characters already in the MCU are out too. Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie was envisioned as bisexual, but Thor: Ragnarok cut the only scene that actually showed this was the case. Future appearances by her could confirm her sexuality, and the same could happen for other MCU characters too.
With several films in development, there's a great opportunity for Marvel to add multiple gay characters to the MCU in the near future. Female heroes Phyla-Vel and Moondragon have had a relationship in the comics and could be introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, while someone like America Chavez is also incredibly popular and a lesbian and could be a new addition in Phase 4 or 5. There's also Young Avengers members Wiccan and Hulkling that could debut before long, and more now available through the X-Men. At this point, it's just up to Marvel Studios to stay true to their word, and if Joe Russo is telling the truth, it won't be long before this will happen.
Source: SiriusXM
