The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has a treat in store for LGBTQ+ fans as ‘The Marvels,’ one of its most anticipated films, unveils a beloved queer character.
In the midst of an ongoing actors’ strike that has kept the star-studded cast from promoting the film, ‘The Marvels’ has been quietly generating excitement. The latest trailer for the movie teases significant developments, including an encroaching alternate universe and Nick Fury’s cryptic announcement, “they’re here.”
However, what truly caught the attention of many was the return of Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie, a cherished queer character within the MCU. Despite her potential for meaningful queer storylines, Valkyrie has yet to fully explore them. In a pivotal moment from the preview, she is seen donning a suit and sharing a meaningful exchange with Captain Marvel. “You can stand tall without standing alone,” Valkyrie tells her friend.
For years, MCU fans have yearned for significant LGBTQ+ representation among its characters, and the dynamic between Captain Marvel and Valkyrie has been a focus of fan enthusiasm, spurred on by interactions between the actors themselves.
Valkyrie stands as one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ characters in the MCU, alongside others like Korg, Ayo, Phastos, Aneka, and Loki. Even Brie Larson and Tessa Thompson have playfully embraced the idea, with Larson sharing fan art of the two characters and Thompson expressing her enthusiasm for more female Marvel characters intersecting.
While the possibility of a romantic connection between Valkyrie and Captain Marvel remains uncertain, the prospect of seeing them interact on screen once again is a promising step forward. ‘The Marvels,’ featuring an ensemble cast including Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, and Zawe Ashton, is set to hit theaters nationwide on November 10th, offering the MCU a chance to embrace diversity and inclusivity more than ever before.
