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Agatha All Along’s Joe Locke admits Marvel has been “behind the times” on queer characters

BBG News

As a gamer with a heart for diverse storytelling and a deep appreciation for Marvel, I can’t help but feel elated about the arrival of “Agatha All Along” on Disney+. The series promises to break new ground by featuring LGBTQ+ characters, like ‘Teen’, played by the charming Joe Locke, whose queerness is not just a footnote, but an integral part of his character.

Beginning this week, the heartwarming animated series “Agatha All Along” debuts on Disney+, showcasing several storylines and characters that represent the LGBTQ+ community. One intriguing character among them is ‘Teen,’ skillfully portrayed by Joe Locke.

The leading actor of Hearstopper shared insights with Digital Spy about the significance of queer representation in their TV series, particularly emphasizing its importance for Agatha All Along and Marvel as a whole.

Locke points out that he finds it commendable, yet believes Marvel might be lagging in introducing LGBTQ+ characters. This is primarily due to the fact that the characters’ narratives often focus less on their personal lives.

As a gamer, I adore the character ‘Teen’. His unique identity, encompassing a vibrant queerness, is beautifully portrayed and applauded within the game. Yet, this isn’t the only aspect that makes him intriguing. There are numerous layers to his personality, making him a truly captivating figure.

Agatha All Along's Joe Locke admits Marvel has been "behind the times" on queer characters

Jac Schaeffer, the showrunner of Agatha All Along, shared exclusively with Digital Spy: “We found a significant overlap between witch history and folklore, as well as the queer community. It seemed fitting and enjoyable to incorporate this aspect into our series.

Historically, witches have faced persecution and marginalization, much like members of the queer community, which is a key reason for the similarities between them.

Agatha embodies a unique and iconic persona, often reminiscent of a drag queen. This flamboyant and dramatic style is deeply woven into the fabric of the show, including her hair, makeup, and costumes.

Agatha All Along's Joe Locke admits Marvel has been "behind the times" on queer characters

Kathryn Hahn shared with Digital Spy: “A significant part of the Marvel fanbase hasn’t had a character they can fully identify with. Interestingly, ‘Teen’ is gay, yet his identity isn’t centered around this aspect.

Normalizing it felt incredibly relevant and crucial, and I have to say Jac [Schaeffer] wrote the storyline exceptionally well. Joe embodies beauty and authenticity in a way that’s truly captivating and consistent with who he is. In essence, it’s magical.

In other news, the originator of “Agatha All Along,” Jac Schaeffer, has explained why the series heavily incorporates music and singing. Additionally, cast members have hinted at a possible crossover with Doctor Strange, and Elizabeth Olsen has commented on the possibility of Scarlet Witch reappearing in some form.

Previously, Joe Locke had a conversation with Digital Spy during the Rainbow Crew series, where he offered some guidance for younger individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Agatha All Along officially debuts its first two episodes on Wednesday, September 18 in the United States exclusively on Disney+. A day later, on Thursday, September 19, it will premiere in the UK. Subsequent episodes will be released every week, culminating in a double episode for the grand finale.

Read more Agatha All Along news on our dedicated homepage

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2024-09-17 20:18

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