Kevin Feige: There Will Soon Be Two LGBTQ Heroes In Marvel Universe

“With great power comes great responsibility” and that’s what Marvel Studios has had to face in representing communities from all around the world and society.  Not only is it the right thing to do, but you sort of owe it to moviegoers when they’ve contributed to over $6.6 billion in U.S. ticket sales alone.  And slowly but surely (perhaps a bit too slowly) the Disney division has shepherded films featuring characters such as “Black Panther,” a genuine cultural milestone, and next year’s “Captain Marvel,” its first release with a solo female lead.  And there have even been calls from some of the women of the MCU for a movie of their own.  While People of Color have increasingly been given the spotlight, one aspect of the Marvel Universe that’s been missing has been an LGBTQ hero or heroine.  A head-scratching omission as they have been part of Marvel Comics for decades.  After speaking to Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige on Sunday it appears that’s about to change.

READ MORE: Taika Waititi Has Your Answer On Whether ‘Thor: Ragnarok’s’ Valkyrie is Bisexual

The context for the interview was for “Ant-Man and the Wasp” where despite the film’s San Francisco setting there isn’t a gay character to be found (it should be noted it is technically the studio’s first film with a female lead in the title).  With Pride month in full effect, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to ask the Feige when its LGBTQ+ fans would get to see themselves represented on screen.  Here is exactly how Feige answered that question verbatim.

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.

That last answer likely confirms Tessa Thompson’s revelation that Valkyrie from “Thor: Ragnarok” was bisexual (something the director confirmed was cut from the film in a podcast with The Playlist in November).   It’s unclear if and when Valkyrie is returning after the events of “Avengers: Infinity War,” but since she was not depicted as having been whipped from the universe it’s likely she may be part of next year’s ‘Avengers’ follow up (or not).

The “other” character Feige refers to, and would not elaborate on, could appear in the recently titled “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” “Captain Marvel” or the next phase of Marvel films the studio does not plan on announcing until after the next untitled ‘Avengers’ film.  As that next installment arrives in May perhaps fans will have something or someone to celebrate for next year’s Gay Pride month.

“Ant-Man and the Wasp” opens nationwide on July 6.