Marvel to have more LGBTQ+ representation in upcoming projects

In spite of being one of the largest franchises in the entertainment industry, a peculiar thing has been observed by several critics about the Marvel Cinematic Universe and that is the lack of diversity. With black people recently finding their voice in Black Panther and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, LGBTQ+ representation still continues to be disappointingly low, with Loki being one of the first characters to be identified as gender-fluid.

However, according to Marvel Studio’s executive producer of film production Victoria Alonso, things are about to change for good. This has already begun with Loki declaring that he is bisexual in Episode 3 of his stand-alone show, marking the first time a primary character within the MCU has openly been accepted as a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

In a chat with Variety at the fan premiere of Black Widow, Victoria promised that going forward, they will ensure greater diversity in Phase 4 of MCU. While acknowledging that although things might take time, they have many stories to tell and empower those of the LGBTQ+ community. They won’t change anything rather built upon a realistic portrayal of the world of today, showing the audience who these people are and who these characters are. “We’re not going to nail it in the first movie or the second movie or third movie, or the first show or second show, but we will do our best to consistently try to represent,” she added.

When asked about Loki being portrayed as gender-fluid, she explained that it is not a big deal as they are only following the comics to the tee and being true to the character. Within the Marvel Comics, Loki has not only spent time as a woman for many years, but also impersonated other female roles like Scarlet Witch. Similarly, if we look back at the foundations of Norse mythology, as a shapeshifter, Loki frequently switched between his male and female self, despite being generally considered male, and is also said to have given birth to Odin’s eight-legged horse Sleipnir.

Victoria Alonso’s statement seems to be in tandem with Marvel Studio’s president Kevin Feige who has long stated that they will diversify the MCU. However, how much value the statement carries, only time will tell.