Much has been said about the lack of LGBT representation in mainstream superhero cinema, with recent notable of films that would have done so having said content being cut like Thor: Ragnarok and Black Panther. It seems that where the MCU has retreated from these displays FOX's Deadpool 2 will embrace them.
Not with, as some might expect, the film's titular pansexual character or new addition Shatterstar who is bisexual in the comic books but instead with the breakout star of the first film Brianna Hildebrand's Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Shiloi Kutsuna's Yukio, who have been confirmed to be in a relationship in the FOX sequel.
It was a move that GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis called groundbreaking and a "first-of-its-kind moment in a wide release superhero film" going on to praise producers 20th Century Fox for giving “countless moviegoers around the world what they’ve longed to see — LGBTQ superheroes in a relationship who protect the world together.”
“Negasonic and Yukio’s storyline is a milestone in a genre that too often renders LGBTQ people invisible,” Ellis said, “and should send a message to other studios to follow this example of inclusive and smart storytelling.”
Speaking to Too Fab, the actress in question gushed about GLAAD's praise, “It’s awesome, it’s super awesome,” Hildebrand said. “My dad’s been sending me links like all morning, he’s super stoked about it. It feels really good, as a member of the LGBTQ community myself, it feels awesome to be paving that path.”
Hildebrand hopes the relationship will help “these things become more normalized in all genres,” the actress said. She continued: “When I was younger, I was never really a big fan of superheroes or anything, but going to conventions I realized how important they are to people and how empowering they can be and I think it’s really important to be able to see a version of yourself, or someone you can relate to on the screen, being invincible." before adding. "I hope some kids around the world can see that they can do what they want and see themselves while doing it.”
According to Hildebrand Ryan Reynolds, who not only stars in the title role but also serves as producer and co-writer on Deadpool 2 ran the idea past the actress in an email asking “if it would be OK and I was totally onboard,” Hildebrand revealed. “I know that when Ryan messaged me about it, the only thing I requested is that it not be made a big deal and so I think that’s part of what makes it so special, it’s just mentioned and it is what it is,” Hildebrand explained. “I hope that fans can appreciate that about it.”
This is not the first time that Hildebrand has been vocal about LGBT issues, after the release of the first film the actress made a video with the It Gets Better Campaign where she did in real life what her many hope her character may well do for viewers. “Whether you are unsure and afraid or sure and proud of your sexuality, no matter what part off the journey to self-acceptance that you are at, it’s OK, and it really does get better. You are exactly where you are supposed to be.”
What do you think? Are you happy to finally see some LGBT representation in a superhero film? What other examples of Queer characters would you like to see on film? Leave your thoughts below.