It’s been confirmed that “Thor: Ragnarok” features Marvel’s first openly LGBT(QI) character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Actress Tessa Thompson – who plays the elite fighter/sarcastic alcoholic Valkyrie – recently took to Twitter to verify that her superhero character is indeed bisexual. This came after a moviegoer expressed his disappointment at Valkyrie’s “typical sexless Marvel tomboy” look. This prompted another fan to defend the female character.
“Valkyrie in the comics is a big ole lesbian so I doubt she would give your opinion any thought,” the fan wrote. Thompson, however, corrected the fan by commenting, “She’s bi. And yes, she cares very little about what men think of her. What a joy to play!”
Having said that, there is no actual evidence of Valkyrie’s bisexuality in the film. “Val is Bi in the comics and I was faithful to that in her depiction,” she explained in a separate tweet. “But her sexuality isn’t explicitly addressed in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’.” Regardless the 34-year-old star’s character is still a total cinematic badass.
She’s bi. And yes, she cares very little about what men think of her. What a joy to play! https://t.co/d0LZKTHCfL
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) October 21, 2017
YES! Val is Bi in the comics & I was faithful to that in her depiction. But her sexuality isn’t explicitly addressed in Thor: Ragnarok. https://t.co/hmb5lYN5to
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) October 23, 2017
As comic book fans may know, Valkyrie’s sexuality has been established in the comics for years. She has been involved with both men (Thor and Agent Venom) as well as women (archaeologist Annabelle Riggs). In the film, we do see flashbacks of Valkyrie fighting alongside her fellow female warriors. However, the main narrative of this movie sees her developing friendships with Thor and Hulk.
In addition to Valkyrie, there has also been LGBT(QI) representation on the small screen. Juan Pablo Raba’s Joey Gutierrez (a metal-melting Inhuman from Agents of “S.H.I.E.L.D.”) and Carrie-Ann Moss’s Jeri Hogarth (a fierce lawyer from “Jessica Jones”, “Daredevil”, and “The Defenders”) are both gay.
If you don’t mind more spoilers, you can also find out what happens during the 2 post credits scenes here. While you’re at it, check out our 10 thundering fun facts of “Thor: Ragnarok”.
Sources: Screen Rant, Inverse, E! News/ Featured image: Marvel.
