Tessa Thompson Reflects on Valkyrie Being the First Openly LGBTQ Character in the MCU

When Marvel Studios introduced Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie into the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she became the first openly LGBTQ character to appear in the comic book film world. In a recent interview, Thompson spoke about her character, and why it was so important for her to continue to be a good representative for the LGBTQIA community.

RELATED: Tessa Thompson on Valkyrie’s New Powers in Thor: Love and Thunder

“It’s totally exciting,” Thomspon told The Wrap when asked about being the first openly LGBTQ+ character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “We talk so much about representation and obviously, in terms of the LGBTQIA community, there’s still so much work to be done. But if you look at the comics in the canon, there are so many queer characters! It’s hard because [director Taika Waititi] and I would’ve even liked to go further, but in the context of the movies, there’s only so much we can do.”

Thompson went on to say that, while love stories in the Marvel films often take some time to build up, she’s confident that the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder will at least show off more of her character.

“Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of time invested in love stories in Marvel movies in general,” Thompson said. “I think that will be a little different on the new Thor, which is exciting. And getting to play a character that historically is not written for somebody that looks like me, all of that felt exciting.”

RELATED: Chris Hemsworth Confirms Thor: Love and Thunder Won’t Be His Last MCU Appearance

Thor: Love and Thunder will feature the return of Chris Hemsworth as the God of Thunder, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, and Natalie Portman, whose Jane Foster is now expected to take on the mantle of the Mighty Thor and will be wielding the iconic Mjolnir. Oscar-winner Christian Bale will also be making his return to the superhero genre as he signs on for the villainous role of Gorr the God Butcher.

Thor: Love and Thunder is once again being directed by Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) from a script he co-wrote with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Someone Great), which will be the follow-up to Waititi’s wildly successful 2017 sequel Thor: Ragnarok.

The film is currently slated for a July 8, 2022, theatrical release.

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