Credit: Inside the MagicFor a while now, Kevin Feige has served as the President of Marvel Studios, overseeing the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) under The Walt Disney Company. Under his leadership, the MCU has significantly shaped and left a lasting imprint on both the superhero film genre and the entire film industry. Despite differing opinions, the undeniable influence of the MCU persists.
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The expansive and intricate storyline of the Infinity Saga reached its pinnacle with the highly anticipated releases of Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), serving as the culmination of Phase Three. Garnering immense acclaim and cultivating a dedicated fan base, the MCU has unquestionably established itself as a formidable presence in the realm of entertainment.
Endgame marked the exit of two of Marvel’s most legendary heroes, with Marvel Studios explicitly stating that these characters would not be part of future film ventures. This notably includes Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man/Tony Stark, who made a sacrificial move for the greater good, and Chris Evans’ Captain America/Steve Rogers, who retired after passing on his iconic Vibranium shield to Anthony Mackie’s Falcon/Sam Wilson.
Currently, Disney+ (Disney Plus) Original WandaVision is set to spawn two Marvel spinoff series that play a vital role in expanding the MCU narrative. These series include Vision Quest, expected to debut around 2025, and Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, focusing on the character Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn.
LGBTQ+ History in the MCU
In recent years, Marvel Studios has taken significant steps to enhance LGBTQ+ representation in both its films and television productions. Inclusivity and diversity have become integral components of the storytelling process, with Marvel progressively incorporating more LGBT+ characters and narratives.
A notable instance is the character Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, in the Thor films and Avengers: Endgame. The confirmation of the character’s bisexuality came from both Tessa Thompson and the director of Thor: Ragnarok, Taika Waititi. Valkyrie even had a cameo in The Marvels (2023), hinting at a relationship with Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel.
The Thor franchise’s rocky alien, Korg, was also revealed to be canonically “gay,” as reproduction for his species involves two Kronan men holding hands over a lava pit. Moreover, in the Disney+ series Loki (2021), the titular character, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston, has been portrayed as gender-fluid, aligning with the character’s representation in the original Norse mythology.
Related: New Footage Shows Scarlet Witch Is Still Alive in the MCU
To say that there is already precedent for LGBTQ+ rep or relationships is a given — but it seems like Marvel might be heading in a different direction with their new release, if leaks are to be believed. In fact, Wanda Maximoff’s son, the superhero Wiccan/Billy Maximoff/Billy Kaplan (Joe Locke), is one half of Marvel Comics’ “most prominent gay couple”, alongside the hero Hulkling (set to be portrayed by Miles Gutierrez-Riley).
Marvel’s First Major LGBTQ+ Relationship: Revealed
The new WandaVision spinoff, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries (previously Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Agatha: House of Harkness), will see Kathryn Hahn return as Agatha Harkness, presiding over a witches’ coven in the upcoming Marvel TV series set to shake up the MCU norm. Official announcements have confirmed the inclusion of several actors, including Aubrey Plaza, Ali Ahn, and Maria Dizzia, though their specific roles remain undisclosed.
Previously, we covered the likelihood of a major gay relationship coming to the MCU — and now, Marvel Studios seems to be confirming this with this new TV promo trailer and behind-the-scenes look.
Known Hollywood insider CanWeGetSomeToast has provided some context on one scene from the promo in particular — the one where Agatha is seen fighting what is likely another female witch. This appears to be confirmation that Aubrey Plaza’s rumored character Rio Vidal will be Agatha Harkness’ “centuries-old” girlfriend — and perhaps even engaged or married. In this scene, they appear to be “exes”, however:
In ‘AGATHA: DARKHOLD DIARIES’, Agatha wakes up without any clothes and requires a robe after breaking out of The Scarlet Witch’s spell.
Now that Agatha is her old self again, Rio can finally get what she’s always wanted…
So what’s better than breaking into your ex’s house and getting into a fist fight?
In ‘AGATHA: DARKHOLD DIARIES’, Agatha wakes up without any clothes and requires a robe after breaking out of The Scarlet Witch’s spell.
Now that Agatha is her old self again, Rio can finally get what she’s always wanted…
So what’s better than breaking into your ex’s house and… pic.twitter.com/1kkaXopWD5
— CanWeGetSomeToast (@CanWeGetToast) November 28, 2023
Interestingly, this “first” LGBTQ+ relationship might just be the MCU’s first simultaneous same-sex relationship. Seeing as both Hulkling and Wiccan are set to debut in Darkhold Diaries, it’s more than likely that two LGBTQ+ and same-sex relationships will be featured in this groundbreaking new series. Will this be set amongst a magical, perilous quest tied to the fate of Scarlet Witch? Looks like Marvel fans will have to have to find out.
What do you think about Marvel’s likely first major LGBTQ+ relationship(s)? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
More on Agatha: Darkhold Diaries
Joining Secret Invasion (2023) and Captain Marvel 2 AKA The Marvels (2023), Marvel is building the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse beyond Captain America — yes, including the Fantastic Four. The upcoming WandaVision spinoff, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries (formerly known as Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Agatha: House of Harkness), marks the return of Kathryn Hahn to her role as Agatha Harkness. The actual Agatha show will be created by head writer Jac Schaeffer with directors Gandja Monteiro and Rachel Goldberg, with executive producer Feige. Leading a witches’ coven, Hahn’s character is recovering from her old murderous ways, and set to shake up the established style of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this highly anticipated Disney+ series.
Making a return from WandaVision, Debra Jo Rupp is set to reprise her character as Mrs. Hart, and Fred Melamed will once again portray Arthur Hart. Adding to the ensemble, Broadway icon Patti LuPone is joining the cast in the role of Lilia Calderu, an elder witch pivotal to the witches’ coven, and Sasheer Zamata as Sorceress Jennifer Kale.
Alongside Patti LuPone, David Payton joins as John Collins/”Herb”, David Lengel as Harold Proctor/”Phil Jones”, Asif Ali as Abilash Tandon/”Norm”, Amos Glick as a pizza delivery man/”Dennis”, Brian Brightman as the Eastview, New Jersey sheriff, and Agatha’s mother Evanora Harkness is played by Kate Forbes. Miles Gutierrez Riley will portray Hulkling, and Okwui Okpokwasili in an undisclosed role.
The artistic direction of this Disney+ series leans towards a “musical theater” style, and take inspiration from the unprecedented popularity of tracks from the WandaVision like “Agatha All Along”. Notably, renowned lyricists and composers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, acclaimed for their work on Broadway hits such as Book of Mormon and Disney’s Frozen, are returning after crafting the iconic tunes and jingles from WandaVision.