Marvel to get first gay character soon, says Joe Russo assuring more LGBTQ representation in the future
After his "gay man" cameo was slammed by fans on 'Avengers: Endgame', director Joe Russo has let slip in a recent interview that Marvel will be getting its first ever gay character in an upcoming film project. While the plans haven't been clearly laid out for the public eye yet, MCU will be announcing the news shortly, according to Russo. "We're gonna find out," he said in the interview with Entertainment Weekly's Sirius XM, "You know, there is a gay character coming up in one of [Marvel's] films. I think Kevin [Feige] will make that announcement I'm sure pretty soon."
The speculation that the lack of diversity in the MCU would change with future films has actually come true. "I think both 'Captain Marvel' and 'Spider-Man' had a diverse supporting cast and I imagine as they bring in new 'Avengers', we will be seeing even more marginalized groups represented as the main hero," comedian and Disney actor Dani Fernandez told MEA WorldWide (MEAWW). "This isn't a spoiler, but if you follow the comics you know Monica Rambeau who played the little girl in 'Captain Marvel' will grow up to be someone important. 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' demolished all its competition and really showed just how important, relevant, and relatable our characters of color can be."
As for the cameo, that critics called "a cloaked nod to the queer community", she thinks that the 'Endgame' storyline had a lot to say and even though they couldn't make it a priority here, they would in the future. "I think 'Endgame' had to wrap up so many storylines from its original cast that started a decade ago. I think they are aware, and want to include more diversity which is why they made Valkyrie, who is a queer woman of color, a king. As someone who has depression, I found the group therapy moment with Joe Russo touching and relatable. But I know there will be more LGBTQ representation in the future. I have faith they will make that a priority," she said. "'Spider-Man: Far from Home' has two trans actors, one in a supporting role as a classmate alongside Peter Parker," she pointed out.
