Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige sat down with The Playlist to confirm that the Marvel Cinematic Universe will introduce LGBTQ characters in upcoming films.
The Playlist: When are we getting a Gay, Bi, LGBTQ, out character in the MCU? Is it even in the works? Kevin Feige: Yes.
The Playlist: That’s the answer?
Kevin Feige: Yeah, that’s the answer.
The Playlist: It’s not someone we’ve seen yet, I’m guessing?
Kevin Feige: Both.
The Playlist: Both?
Kevin Feige: Both ones you’ve seen and ones you haven’t seen.
Feige’s confirmation of LGBTQ characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes off a scathing report from GLAAD which lambasted Marvel Studios and DC Comics for their lack of representation in their superhero films.
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What’s really interesting about Feige’s response is that at least one character that has already been introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe will come out as an LGBTQ character. Most of the speculation is that this will be Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie who was introduced in Thor: Ragnarok. Thompson had stated that her character is bisexual. However, on-screen the film did not show that she was bisexual.
But it’s possible that the character we’ve already been introduced to is actually Korg. Korg’s first appearance was also in Thor: Ragnarok and unlike Valkyrie, he is depicted as a LGBTQ character in the comics. In Incredible Hulks #619, Korg refers to Hiroim the Oldstrong as his warbound and beloved.
It will be interesting to see how Feige and Marvel Studios handles the inclusion of LGBTQ characters. If they will follow Marvel Comics and retcon characters like Iceman into being gay or if they will choose characters like Korg, who were gay in the comics and reveal their orientation on the big screen through romantic subplot.
One character that could be introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a relatively new character who takes on the mantle of Quasar. Avril Kincaid was introduced during the storyline as a deep undercover S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who monitors the super villain prison at Pleasant Hill. The prison contains the super villains by using an entity known as Kobik to make the prisoners believe they are in a paradise. Kinkaid becomes Quasar upon the super villains breaking free of Pleasant Hill. She is handed the Quantum Bands as part of a contingency plan.
With the introduction of Captain Marvel and the Kree/Skrull war, it’s highly possible Avril Kinkaid as Quasar could make an appearance. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see a reference to the Quantum Bands, the weapons that grant the Quasars their power.
What do you think about Feige’s promise to introduce to LGBTQ characters? How soon do you think theses characters will be introduced?