The MCU's highly-anticipated Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has recently been the center of headlines not because of the action or rumored appearances that the fans try to foresee, but due to the inclusion of a new LGBTQ+ character, America Chavez starring Xochitl Gomez.
Although America Chavez was barely seen in recent teasers and TV spots, it's no secret that Chavez will play a prominent role in the upcoming sequel. Aside from the character's ability to travel through different universes, the character will also keep its LGBTQ status from the comics.
Following America Chavez's character introduction, Saudi Arabia recently petitioned to cut a 12-second gay reference from the upcoming film to which Disney instantly refused. And it seems like Disney stands firm together with lead star Benedict Cumberbatch in keeping the scene, calling the countries who banned the film due to LGBT themes an "out of step."
Now, in a new Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness press conference, Marvel President Kevin Feige responds to a question by Tania Lamb about how important it was for Marvel Studios to retain Chavez's LGBTQ+ status.
Feige responded, "It's important, as we always say, that these films present the world as it is, and the world outside your window, as they used to say in publishing. That aspect of America's character is from the comics. We always want to adapt them as well and as truthfully as we can."
"I think when people see the movie, much like it is in life, it is not any one thing that defines any one character. As Xochitl said, she's a 14-year-old girl figuring out this very traumatic element of her life, which is not the LGBTQ issue, it's the fact that she keeps being tossed around the Multiverse multiple, multiple times. Being truthful to that and showcasing that, and that is not what the movie is about, but it is an important part of the character she becomes in the comics. We wanted to touch upon that," Feige added.
Marvel might not completely represent a comically-accurate live-action version of America Chavez, but her sexuality and representation as an LGBTQ+ character certainly matter, and Marvel Studios won't definitely cut that out. And according to Cumberbatch's recent statement, Chavez is included in the film for "how awesome she is" and "her sexuality is just one aspect of her character," which is absolutely correct because there's so much to anticipate with the character, not just her sexuality.
Admiringly, Marvel and Disney stand firm with their decision to keep the 12-second gay reference scene of America Chavez, talking about her 'two moms,' proving that they are absolutely committed to bringing diversity into the world of modern superheroes.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness premieres in theaters on May 4.
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