Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie to Become Marvel Studios' First LGBTQ Superhero

A Marvel executive confirmed that Tessa Thompson's superhero character will be involved in an LGBTQ storyline in “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

LGBTQ comic fans have long been frustrated by the lack of representation in film adaptations of their favorite comics — especially since much of the source material features queer characters. But an announcement over the weekend by Marvel executives came as welcome news to those who have been longing for an LGBTQ superhero.

At San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, actress Tessa Thompson hinted that her character, Valkyrie, will be involved in an LGBTQ storyline in the fourth Thor movie, “Thor: Love and Thunder.” When asked what her character will be up to in the film, Thompson told the audience: “I think first of all as king, as new king, she needs to find her queen. That’ll be her first order of business. She has some ideas. Keep you posted.”

The film, set to be released in November 2021, stars Chris Hemsworth, in a return as the Norse god, and Natalie Portman as a female Thor.

Following Saturday’s panel, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed that Valkyrie will be involved in an LGBTQ storyline.

“The answer is yes," he told Gizmodo. “How that impacts the story remains to be seen with that level of representation you’ll see across our films, not in just ‘Thor 4.’”

Valkyrie has appeared in Marvel Comics since 1970. The superheroine, based on the Norse mythological figure Brynhildr, was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema. First appearing in “The Avengers” #83, Valkyrie became a mainstay of the superhero team known as the Defenders and a close ally and love interest of the superhero Thor. But in more recent comics, Valkyrie has been portrayed as bisexual.

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