Marvel's Kevin Feige teases LGBTQ characters in future MCU - does this mean Valkyrie will finally be gay?
With a comic book franchise as vast as Marvel's, it is only natural that movie-goers seek representation of all sorts in the present day and time. Meaning more female-centric storylines and an inclusive cinematic universe, where more and more diverse characters are introduced aptly representing the LGBTQ community.
A potential for such an introduction was in Marvel's hands back in 2017, when Tessa Thompson debuted in the role of Valkyrie - a character whose bisexuality is extensively explored in the comics - in the all-star Thor: Ragnarok. Pitches were made and allegedly a scene hinting strongly on Valkyrie's bisexuality was even filmed (although it was ultimately left out from the final cut). Much to fans' despise, ultimately, Thompson's character was portrayed in all its glory but minus the inclusive aspect of her sexuality.
Having made a total of 19 movies and yet failing to appropriately represent the LGBTQ community in their superhero saga, Marvel has drawn strong criticism from both fans and critics alike. But all this might soon be a thing of the past if Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is to be believed.
The filmmaker who has been more than just involved in the shaping of the superhero franchise recently talked to The Playlist, while doing the press rounds for the upcoming 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' movie. And during the chat, amongst many other things, Feige to the surprise of many assured that Marvel is moving ahead with their plans of introducing not one, but at least two openly LGBT characters in their upcoming blockbusters.
"When are we getting a Gay, Bi, LGBTQ, out character in the MCU? Is it even in the works?" Feige was asked, to which he upfront replied, saying, "Yes."
The Marvel boss was further prodded about the characters, with the interviewer pressing on the identity of the characters. Although Feige avoided divulging too much at the moment, the filmmaker definitely set the Pandora's box open by suggesting that one of the two characters has already been seen before.
"Both... ones you’ve seen and ones you haven’t seen," he added.
Unsurprisingly, Feige's ambiguous statement has sparked a wave of speculation especially over the possibilities if the already-established LGBT character is Valkyrie. After all, Thompson herself had teased her character's sexuality back during the promotion of Thor, suggesting that Valkyrie is for sure bi-sexual.
While Ragnarok director Taika Waititi added fuel to the prospects saying, "I would say that’s completely wrong. I would say Valkyrie is try-sexual. She’ll try it on with anyone.”
Of course, at the time, he made the comment on a humorous note. But given the change in conversation, Marvel cannot find a more opportune moment to introduce LGBTQ superheroes, especially before competing studios do the same.
