Loki, Marvel Cinematic Universe's mischievous supervillain, is gender-fluid in the new Disney+ series that premiers on June 9, according to a new promo video.
In the clip, Loki's details are revealed when his Time Variance Authority (TVA) file flashes briefly on the screen. In the place where it asks for Loki's sex, it reads "fluid."
While this may come as a surprise to many, die-hard fans of the comic books are fully aware that Loki has shapeshifted into various forms including a woman. Taking to social media, they expressed their excitement for MCU's inclusion of this detail.
"YES FINALLY THEY FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT LOKI IS GENDER FUILD," one Twitter user wrote.
"They made him Gender Fluid just like the comics. So based," another added.
"you guys actually made him canon gender fluid Loudly crying face thank you and happy pride month Rainbow flag," a third stated.
It is unclear how the identification will play out. It may be an Easter Egg for fans, or it may indicate an appearance by Lady Loki, which is the female version of Loki who was created when he meant to inhabit the body of Lady Sif, a character in the "Thor" movies. It may also be influenced by MCU's move to be more inclusive.
Earlier this year, an Asian superhero, to be played by Simu Liu in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," was unveiled.
"Whoever said that you could only RECEIVE presents on your birthday?" Liu wrote in a tweet that included the film's poster. "Today, I’m giving you your VERY FIRST LOOK at the teaser poster for @ShangChi and the Legend of the Ten Rings!! Coming to theatres September 3rd (trailer drops in a few weeks). WE’RE ALMOST THERE, PEOPLE!!!!"
This comes after the franchise came under fire for its seeming lack of diversity. Among those calling MCU out was actor Anthony Mackie, who played the role of Falcon several times in various Marvel films. Speaking with Variety last year, he admitted it bothered him that "every producer, every director, every stunt person, every costume designer, every PA, every single person," he worked with in the films "has been white."
"We’ve had one Black producer; his name was Nate Moore," Mackie said. "He produced 'Black Panther.' But then when you do 'Black Panther,' you have a Black director, Black producer, a Black costume designer, a Black stunt choreographer. And I’m like, that’s more racist than anything else. Because if you only can hire the Black people for the Black movie, are you saying they’re not good enough when you have a mostly white cast?"
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Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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