Fans have long wondered when true LGBTQ+ representation would become the norm in stories told by Disney and Marvel. A major step in that direction was apparently taken earlier this year, when Tom Hiddleston’s Loki became the first openly queer lead character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But Russell T. Davies, who created It’s a Sin and Queer as Folk, was not impressed. He called the character’s brief disclosure of bisexuality “a ridiculous, craven, feeble gesture” during a recent interview.
In the Disney+ series Loki’s third episode, Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) asks Loki about his dating life, guessing he’s been with “would-be princesses, or perhaps another prince.” Loki replies, “A bit of both. I suspect the same as you.” The character’s sexuality is not further discussed in the six-episode series, which Davies says is a major problem.
“I think huge, cleaning warning bells are ringing as the giants rise up with Netflix and Disney+ especially,” Davies said during a virtual Pride month panel for Swansea University (via Uproxx). “I think that’s a very great worry. Loki makes one reference to being bisexual once, and everyone’s like, ‘Oh, my God, it’s like a pansexual show.’ It’s like one word. He said the word ‘prince,’ and we’re meant to go, ‘Thank you, Disney! Aren’t you marvelous?’ It’s a ridiculous, craven, feeble gesture towards the vital politics and the stories that should be told.”
Loki’s director Kate Herron celebrated the historic scene when it aired, writing on Twitter: “From the moment I joined [Loki] it was very important to me, and my goal, to acknowledge Loki was bisexual. It is a part of who he is and who I am, too. I know this is a small step but I’m happy, and heart is so full, to say that this is now Canon.” That said, Herron has admitted there’s “obviously more road to travel with that aspect of his personality” during a Collider interview. “And I hope it has opened the door to more stories, definitely,” she added.
Hiddleston echoed similar sentiments during a June interview with Vanity Fair. “I have always been aware of it,” Hiddleston says of Loki’s queer identity. “I see it as my responsibility as somebody who is able to portray this character, at this time, that I honor the aspects of the character which are there in the canon.”
Disney has long been criticized for gesturing toward LGBTQ+ representation in its projects without giving substantial screen time to nonstraight characters, or allowing them to explicitly address their orientation. Recent Disney film Jungle Cruise features a scene where Jack Whitehall’s MacGregor discloses his sexuality to Dwayne Johnson’s character without ever using the word “gay.” Cruella also nods toward a supporting character’s queerness without confirming or exploring it further. And who can forget when Josh Gad’s LeFou was purported to be Disney’s first openly gay character, or rumors that Elsa would get a girlfriend in the Frozen sequel? By the way, Anthony Mackie has denied any romantic feelings between Sam Wilson and Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes on The Falcon and Winter Soldier.
Season two of Loki is on the way, but has yet to receive an official release date.
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