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Agatha All Along’s episode 5 reveal is HUGE for LGBTQ+ representation in the MCU

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As a longtime fan of Marvel and a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement and pride as I watch the evolution of queer representation within the MCU. The introduction of Wiccan (Joe Locke) in “Agatha All Along” is not just another addition to the franchise, but a significant step forward for representation on the big screen.

Agatha All Along spoilers follow – major ones from episode 5.

In the animated series Agatha All Along, we’ve reached the midpoint of the Witches’ Road, and true to form for Marvel Cinematic Universe’s shows on Disney+, a significant plot twist is hinted at through the tarot cards.

The enigma surrounding Joe Locke’s character in the show has turned out to be one of its most intriguing mysteries. However, it won’t be a shock to many that the episode airing on October 9, titled “Darkest Hour/Wake Thy Power”, appears to reveal that his character is embodying the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Billy Kaplan/Maximoff, more commonly known as Wiccan.

Initially created in the 80s, William Maximoff didn’t appear on the scene until 2005, specifically in the series “Young Avengers“. However, he swiftly gained popularity among fans as a beloved member of this group of young superheroes.

Initially, Allan Heinberg had concerns that Marvel might not permit him to create two main characters who were gay, as Hulkling, Wiccan’s love interest, was initially intended to be a female shape-shifter. However, both characters eventually appeared in the comics, and due to his strong family connections, Wiccan has since become a prominent symbol of LGBTQ+ representation within the comic book community.

Agatha All Along's episode 5 reveal is HUGE for LGBTQ+ representation in the MCU

Locke seems to be portraying a character reminiscent of the older Billy Maximoff, a role previously brought to life by Julian Hilliard on the series WandaVision.

Although the chronology slightly varies regarding ages and the fact that ‘Agatha All Along’ takes place three years following the events of ‘WandaVision’, fans are thrilled because the powerful offspring of Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, is now ready to assume his superhero persona.

Locke has become renowned as a force to be reckoned with in the series Heartstopper, and now he’s taking on one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic LGBTQ+ characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe – quite an impressive feat!

Critics have often pointed out the dearth of LGBTQ+ representation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with particular criticism towards the brief and unremarkable appearance of the franchise’s first openly gay character, who was portrayed by Joe Russo in Avengers: Endgame.

Among the many debates surrounding recent Marvel productions, there’s been a discussion about various representations of LGBTQ+ characters. For instance, a bisexual scene for Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie was removed from Thor: Ragnarok, Phastos in Eternals is made gay (albeit subtly), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness faces censorship in certain countries due to a same-sex female relationship, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever appears to tone down its portrayal of a lesbian romance.

Although Victoria Alonso, a former Marvel executive, had pledged to increase LGBTQ+ representation, it appears that previous lessons have not fully taken hold. It’s inappropriate to merely include characters or themes just to check a box on diversity. Regrettably, the highly successful film featuring Deadpool and Wolverine has been criticized for neglecting the queer histories of its principal characters.

Agatha All Along's episode 5 reveal is HUGE for LGBTQ+ representation in the MCU

Locke himself has expressed criticism over the limited portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the past. However, he enthusiastically applauded the queer identity of the Agatha All Along character, stating it as a significant aspect that resonated with him.

In an interview with Variety, Aubrey Plaza from the show “Agatha All Along” explained that the series is packed full of LGBTQ+ representation, becoming even more over-the-top in each episode, a claim that seems quite accurate given the unexpected twist about Teen’s identity halfway through the series.

The future for those practicing Wicca is uncertain, but given that ‘Agatha’ ended its latest episode with him wearing a menacing crown reminiscent of the Scarlet Witch and effortlessly outmatching Agatha’s coven using his abilities, it appears he may follow in his mother’s footsteps.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel thrilled when I pair Billie Eilish’s ‘You Should See Me in a Crown’ with the grand entrance into the world’s most successful film series – it’s like another wink from Billy Maximoff himself!

Agatha All Along's episode 5 reveal is HUGE for LGBTQ+ representation in the MCU

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), they often plant ideas or characters early for later development. Given that Wiccan is part of the Young Avengers, it seems likely that we will witness more of the character Locke within the most successful film franchise globally.

The final scene of “The Marvels” subtly set up the Young Avengers team, featuring an intriguing lineup that includes Kamala Khan (portrayed by Iman Vellani), Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton) and others. America Chavez, another potential member of this group, is played by Xochitl Gomez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has been confirmed to be a lesbian character. There’s also speculation among fans for Kit Connor to join his “Heartstopper” co-star as Hulkling.

Despite hinting at future projects involving the Young Avengers in a possible movie or Disney+ series, it’s clear that much development lies ahead. If Wiccan remains and we eventually welcome Hulkling into the mix, we might witness some groundbreaking LGBTQ+ moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In Marvel Comics, Wiccan is known for being a pioneer within the LGBTQ+ community. Although Northstar married Kyle Jinadu way back in 2012, the wedding between Billy and Hulkling, which took place in issue #4 of Empyre in 2020, marks the first same-sex union among superhero characters.

The male- and heterosexual-dominated era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) during Phase One now seems like ancient history. Although some may continue to criticize the MCU’s growing diversity with the argument “go woke, go broke,” many recognize this shift as a long-overdue move that aligns more closely with the diversity long championed by Marvel Comics.

Locke could have surprised everyone by hiding Teen’s true identity, similar to the “it was Agatha all along” twist. However, with many praising the Wiccan plot twist as one of the MCU’s finest, and given the exciting possibilities for his character, we find ourselves both excitedly anticipating and speechlessly amazed at the same time.

Agatha All Along streams on Disney+, with new episodes weekly.

Read more Agatha All Along news on our dedicated homepage.

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2024-10-10 18:19

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