With many left disappointed by the Avengers: Endgame’s gay character, the film’s directors are trying to sate us with talk of more coming soon.
Brothers Joe and Anthony Russo are currently at the top of the list when it comes to presenting superhero stories for the big screen. While Kevin Feige may be running the show at Marvel, it’s the Russo brothers who create his vision with their directing skills.
It’s because of those skills that the Russo Brothers are trusted with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s flagship Avengers films. And now we know they’re also trusted with some secrets about where the MCU is headed next.
While talking to Dalton Ross and Jessica Shaw on EW Morning Live radio show, Joe Russo spoke about his cameo appearance as a gay man adjusting to life post-Thanos snap.
Joe noted how his small role was the first openly gay character in the film franchise.
”Yes, openly gay,” he said. “There’s been insinuations about other characters’ sexuality, but this is the first openly gay character.”
Radio host Shaw then asked, “Who else is gay?”
“Uh,” replied Joe, “We’re gonna find out!”
“That’s a story for another day,” Anthony added.
“There is a gay character coming up in one of their films. I think [Marvel Studios President] Kevin [Feige] will make that announcement, I’m sure pretty soon.”
LGBTQ Characters So Far
Besides this small role by Joe Russo, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has included three other LGBTQ characters.
First, there is Ayo, a member of Black Panther’s dora milaje. Her role was very small in the first Black Panther film, so her sexuality wasn’t explored or explained.
Then, Thor: Ragnorak saw the arrival of Valkyrie and Korg. Both alien heroes are LGBTQ in the comics but neither’s sexuality was depicted or discussed in the film. In fact, one scene with Valkyrie lying in bed with another woman was later cut in the editing room.
Though, expansion on these characters and discussion/depiction of their sexualities is a pipe dream. While Ayo may get more screentime in Black Panther 2, she is still a very small part of the cast. Then, Avengers: Endgame saw Valkyrie and Korg being potentially sidelined by staying in New Asgard away from all the Marvel action.
As such, perhaps the character the Russo brothers are talking about is a new one.
LGBTQ Characters Of The Future
There are already rumors that a gay character will appear in the upcoming Eternals film. At first, the rumor was that a gay actor would be cast in the lead role. Then later, the rumor transformed into the Eternals looking to have a gay superhero leading the charge.
In addition, Brie Larson has been subtly supporting the idea of a gay Carol Danvers through social media posts depicting a romance between her character and Valkyrie. Perhaps taking that “still kinda new” character and making her gay would be a direction preferable to Marvel. Though, they should be wary of pushback similar to that of fans petitioning to have Brie Larson fired.
We cute @TessaThompson_x https://t.co/7358yhTQlA
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) March 18, 2019
Will never stop loving this ship @TessaThompson_x https://t.co/1BR3vLABAh
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) March 30, 2019
Though, it appears Marvel is interested in the idea of diversifying their cast of characters more as studio executive Victoria Alonso has repeatedly stated. And while she would not confirm the Eternals rumor, she did say that:
“We are going to cast the best ‘Eternals’ cast that we can and when we’re ready to announce it we promise you we will.”
She added: “Why would we only want to be recognized by only one type of person? Our audience is global, is diverse, is inclusive. If we don’t do it that way for them, we will fail.”
In the end, though, we LGBTQ fans and fans of LGBTQ media are used to this game of “Wait, more’s coming.” We should all have our hopes set at a manageable level. Otherwise, we’ll just get burned again.
