Since the film was announced last year, rumors and speculation swirled that Marvel Studios was going to use the upcoming film, “Eternals,” as the first feature from the company to feature an openly gay superhero. Though a confirmation has yet to be received, the news was heavily hinted by Marvel boss Kevin Feige. Well, it appears we have our first confirmation about the LGBTQ representation in the film, as well as which hero will be featured.
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Speaking to NewNowNext (via the Observer) actor Haaz Sleiman spoke about his supporting role in Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” and dropped confirmation about which of the title team’s members will be shown as gay, confirming reports that the film would mark the first openly gay superhero in a Marvel Studios film.
“I just shot a Marvel film with the first openly gay superhero, ‘The Eternals,’” the actor said. “I’m married to the gay superhero Phastos, played by ‘Atlanta’s’ Brian Tyree Henry, and we represent a gay family and have a child.”
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Now, as fans have noted in recent films that have featured LGBTQ representation, a lot of the discussion turns out to be for nothing, as the characters are either shown in the background with no explanation (“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”) or the LGTBQ characters are only implied to have a certain type of sexuality but it’s never explicitly shown (the villains in “Birds of Prey”). But for “Eternals,” apparently Marvel Studios isn’t going to shy away from actually giving those characters moments to shine.
Sleiman confirms that “Eternals” will actually feature a kiss between the two characters in the film, marking a first for the studio.
“Oh, yeah, absolutely, and it’s a beautiful, very moving kiss,” Sleiman said. “Everyone cried on set. For me, it’s very important to show how loving and beautiful a queer family can be. Brian Tyree Henry is such a tremendous actor and brought so much beauty into this part, and at one point I saw a child in his eyes, and I think it’s important for the world to be reminded that we in the queer community were all children at one point. We forget that because we’re always depicted as sexual or rebellious. We forget to connect on that human part.”
Marvel Studios has been criticized over the years for its lack of diversity and inclusivity in its films. However, in recent years, with “Black Panther,” “Captain Marvel,” and now, “Eternals,” it’s clear that the studio has taken those criticisms to heart and is trying to become more representational.
“Eternals” is directed by Chloe Zhao and will arrive in theaters on November 6.