Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 has introduced a new LGBTQ+ hero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Spoiler alert
On 5 May, everyone’s favourite intergalactic superhero team returned for one final adventure, with James Gunn also returning as director.
In the new film, the group of misfits are settling into their lives on Knowhere. However, their peaceful existence is soon upended due to Rocket’s (Bradley Cooper) troubled past.
“Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life – a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them,” the synopsis adds.
Since its highly anticipated release, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 has received universal acclaim from critics and MCU fans for its heartfelt storylines, comedic moments, and dazzling action.
In addition to the aforementioned praises, the film has also been lauded by LGBTQ+ viewers for introducing one of Marvel Comics’ most powerful queer characters.
During the movie’s post-credit scene, viewers were given a first look at the new Guardians team – which features Rocket, Groot, Kraglin, Warlock, Blurp, and Cosmo the Space Dog.
However, one of the biggest reveals from the new lineup was Phyla-Vell –who was teased throughout the film as one of High Evolutionary’s creations.
In the comics, the powerful character – who once held the mantle of Captain Marvel – is openly gay and is in a romantic relationship with Drax the Destroyer’s daughter, Moondragon.
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While Phyla’s appearance was brief, fans on social media have already expressed their excitement for the character’s future in the MCU.
One person tweeted: “So we have Cosmo and Phyla-Vell in MCU now can’t wait for others members to debut in MCU.”
Another fan wrote, “Oouu Phyla-Vell is in the MCU now,” alongside fire emojis.
Aside from Phyla-Vell’s recent inclusion, Marvel Studios has slowly started to include LGBTQ+ characters in its major releases.
In 2021, Tom Hiddleston’s beloved Asgardian trickster, Loki, became the MCU’s first openly LGBTQ+ hero after being confirmed as bisexual.
The Eternals film introduced the first openly gay superhero with Brian Tyree Henry’s Phastos, who also shared the franchise’s first same-sex kiss with his husband Jack (Haaz Sleiman).
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, I May Destroy You star Michaela Coel played openly queer Dora Milaje member Aneka. The film also featured a brief romantic moment between her character and Ayo (Florence Kasumba).
Lastly, the MCU is set to feature trans non-binary actor Zoe Terakes in the new Disney+ series Ironheart. According to Deadline, the young talent will play a key role in the series.
We can’t wait to see more LGBTQ+ characters debut in the MCU.
Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is now playing in cinemas worldwide.
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