Marvel promises to feature more LGBTIQ+ characters in future films

"You’re gonna see even more new faces - and faces from all different background, all ages, all ethnicities, LGBTIQ+, people who are differently abled."

Tess Thompson

Actor Tessa Thompson has previously called for greater representation in Marvel films. Source: Marvel

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can look forward to more diverse characters in future films, according to studio executives.

Speaking to , Victoria Alonso, the studio’s executive vice-president of production, and casting director Sarah Halley Finn said they agreed with calls for greater representation in Marvel movies.

“You’re gonna see even more new faces - and faces from all different background, all ages, all ethnicities, LGBTQ, people who are differently abled,” Finn said.

“It’s a priority to have authenticity, to increase representation, to give greater representation to actors who have not traditionally been represented in mainstream movies on the big screen.”
Alonso added: “We’re just determined to have it be how we do it. And if we do it, maybe somebody else will do it… I encourage every studio, every indie production company, every filmmaker out there to make an effort.”

The statements came following a in Avengers: End Game, playing a gay man mourning the loss of his partner. It was the first time an openly gay character had been represented in a Marvel film. 

Actor Tessa Thompson has previously stated that she "intended" to play her role of Valkyrie (Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: End Game) as bisexual, even though the character's sexuality has never been explicitly addressed on the big screen.

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Published 1 May 2019 10:17am
By Samuel Leighton-Dore


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