The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been doing its best to open the world up to a more diverse community of superheroes. Whether it’s heroes of color, strong female heroines, or homosexual representation, Marvel is trying to be on the forefront of acceptance and understanding and equality. Now, Marvel Studios Head, Kevin Feige, has confirmed a long standing rumor about the upcoming Phase 4 film, Eternals. One of the main characters will indeed be homosexual.
The already heavily diverse cosmic film of fairly unknown comic book characters has the potential to be another massive sleep hit, a la The Guardians of the Galaxy. With an all star cast featuring the likes of Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek, Kamail Nanjiani, Richard Madden, and now Kit Harrington as Black Knight, it is really shaping up to be a huge blockbuster event. And, now, Feige confirmed the long standing narrative of a gay lead character, but didn’t say who it is just yet. At the D23 Expo, Kevin said that whomever the character is, they are gay, married, have a family, and it is just who they are.
It will be very interesting to see which character they decide to take down this route, and it will be historic for the superhero genre. It’s worth pointing out that rumors have suggested the gay character will be Hercules.
Can’t believe they didn’t announce Luke Evans as Hercules. I read that he’s the gay male lead. So odd.
— Charles Murphy (@_CharlesMurphy) August 24, 2019
The amount of diverse representation that Marvel is attempting should be applauded. They want to include all peoples in their films and do it in a way that makes them feel welcome, and not patronized. I think it’s very good of Marvel Studios to see and portray their universe as one of open mindedness and acceptance. They aren’t pandering to minorities or trying to garner sympathy or votes or anything. They simply want everyone to feel represented equally and normally. Good on you, Marvel, good on you.
Who do you think will be the gay lead inEternals? Let us know in the comments below!