Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can look forward to more diverse characters in future films, according to studio executives.
Speaking to Vulture, Victoria Alonso, the studio’s executive vice-president of production, and casting director Sarah Halley Finn said they agreed with calls for greater representation in Marvel movies.
“You’re gonna see even more new faces - and faces from all different background, all ages, all ethnicities, LGBTQ, people who are differently abled,” Finn said.
“It’s a priority to have authenticity, to increase representation, to give greater representation to actors who have not traditionally been represented in mainstream movies on the big screen.”
Alonso added: “We’re just determined to have it be how we do it. And if we do it, maybe somebody else will do it… I encourage every studio, every indie production company, every filmmaker out there to make an effort.”
The statements came following a small cameo from director Joe Russo in Avengers: End Game, playing a gay man mourning the loss of his partner. It was the first time an openly gay character had been represented in a Marvel film.
Actor Tessa Thompson has previously stated that she "intended" to play her role of Valkyrie (Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: End Game) as bisexual, even though the character's sexuality has never been explicitly addressed on the big screen.
