There’s been an avalanche of news coming out from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, but arguably none are as huge as the many revelations about Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It became quickly evident that — along with news of Doctor Strange and Thor sequels — one thing distinguishes the next batch of superhero movies from the previous three: They’re incredibly diverse, with major roles going to women, to people of color, to people of many ethnicities, and to the LGBTQ+ community.
This has prompted great joy — and we’re assuming, in parts of the internet we’re not going to currently explore, probably some fury. But many we’re stoked and relieved to see a rainbow of new faces in the MCU.
There’s Angelina Jolie heading The Eternals, which also boasts the Pakistan-born Kumail Nanjiani, as well as Salma Hayek, Brian Tyree Henry, and deaf actress Lauren Ridloff. There’s the long-promised Black Widow solo movie, centered around Scarlett Johansson’s butt-kicker — at one point the only female Avenger — that also features Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh, and O.T. Fagbenle.
There’s the all-Asian cast of Shang-Chi, which includes Simu Liu, Awkwafina, and the legendary Tony Leung. There’s the reboot of Blade that will star two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali. Natalie Portman will return to Thor for its fourth installment, subtitled Love and Thunder, this time as a superhero, not a mere love interest. Speaking of Thor, Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie will become the first queer Marvel superhero.
It’s a lot, and emphasizes how MCU — and possibly most of Hollywood — is becoming more representative of a diverse America and the globe. On social media, people celebrated all the news.
here’s some of the new marvel cast and directors!
we’re getting latina, korean american, chinese american, pakistani american, black, deaf, and more representation, a 2x academy winner, an environmentally friendly casting in scarjo, women and poc directors, and more!! pic.twitter.com/hHIB5lHSxQ— my.ka ✵ (@acciodanvers) July 21, 2019
All I keep thinking about is how theres going to be kids that are going to grow up in Marvel’s next phase and its going to be so beautiful and diverse for them.
— Noelle🌼 (@Noelle__marieee) July 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/sxpphicsansa/status/1152898283829964800
https://twitter.com/FantasticMrJeff/status/1152953107283886080
Some were particularly elated by the all-Asian Shang-Chi.
#ShangChi starring Tony Leung, @awkwafina, @SimuLiu.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.As a kid, I couldn’t have even imagined a superhero movie with Asian leads. I can’t believe it’s really happening.
The movement is real. It’s not stopping. Representation matters today. pic.twitter.com/krwJRTxCWQ
— William Yu 유규호 (@its_willyu) July 21, 2019
MARVEL NOW HAS A FILM WITH ALL ASIAN ACTORS IN IT. COME ON, ASIAN REPRESENTATION! #MarvelStudios #ShangChi pic.twitter.com/WBPV8WmnNZ
— daniel | #teamsapphira (@lgbtvelour) July 21, 2019
Some pointed to Thompson’s queen-hunting Valkyrie.
Tessa Thompson on Valkyrie: “First of all, as king, she needs to find her queen.” #MarvelSDCC pic.twitter.com/XR1I2wsUNR
— Ryan Gajewski (@_RyanGajewski) July 21, 2019
Some singled out Ridloff, the first actor with a disability in the mega-franchise.
https://twitter.com/jonathanelliott/status/1152797289800450049
There were people who were a bit more critical, wondering why it took Marvel so long to become diverse.
Ok so I'm not a huge #Marvel fan as it is, but does anyone else feel a *little* icky that in this vast #MCU they didn't care about diversity or representation until phase 3, and then AFTER they made sure it's profitable they announce ALL THE DIVERSITY for #MarvelPhase4?
— LJ Thomas 🏹 preorder SONGS OF SNOW! ❄️🦄🏹🗻🏰 (@ljthomasbooks) July 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/hipstins/status/1152804126029484033
And some worried that these new films will wind up censored in less-welcoming nations.
I have a hard time getting excited by the prospect of LGBTQ+ characters & content in Marvel movies when those moments will inevitably be brief & easily removable for international release in places like China and Russia.
— Kayleigh Donaldson (@Ceilidhann) July 21, 2019