Tessa Thompson has said that the next phase of Marvel films will “push the bounds” of representation.
The Thor star plays the superhero Valkyrie – who is bisexual in the comics but has so far had most references to her sexuality left on the cutting room floor.
Thompson has already told fans to expect a queer storyline in in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder, teasing that as Asgard’s new king, “she needs to find her queen.”
Tessa Thompson: Queer comic book characters should have a place on screen.
In an interview with Ramy Youssef for Variety last week, the out film star again committed herself to more representation.
She said: “In the next phase of Marvel, we’re looking at what representation looks like in these spaces, because the truth is these movies travel globally in such huge ways, and if you can represent people that are of colour, if you can represent people with disabilities, if you can represent the LGBTQIA community inside of these films, it’s a pretty big deal.
“There’s millions and millions of people, particularly young people, that show up to the cinema, and I think if you can show them something that looks like them, they feel valued.
“Particularly inside of these narratives of the comic books, that’s what it’s all about! It’s that our differences make us special. Even the villains, there’s these idea in the comic book world that your villainy comes from trauma and pain.”
She added: “I think it’s really important for everybody, but particularly young people, to be able to show up to those movies and see projections of themselves, so I’m really excited that we’re able to push the bounds of that, and that I’m able to do that with Valkyrie, because there’s so many cool queer characters in the comic books and they should have a place on screen.”
Thor: Love and Thunder will include a queer storyline for Valkyrie.
Marvel boss Kevin Feige has previously confirmed that Valkyrie will be visibly queer in the film, adding: “The answer is yes… how that impacts the story remains to be seen with that level of representation you’ll see across our films, not in just Thor 4.”
Thor director Taika Waititi has said of the prospective storyline: “The IP is not mine. But with the actors, I feel whatever makes them comfortable – whether they feel like there’s a natural choice, or a natural way for that character to go – then I’m pretty supportive. If Tessa wanted to do that, I’m in.”
Sadly, Thor: Love and Thunder has been delayed until February 2022 at the earliest, as the impact of coronavirus bites into the Marvel film release schedule.
The Eternals, which will introduce the gay superhero Phastos, has also been delayed until February 2021.