Spoilers ahead for Deadpool 2. If you haven't seen the blockbuster, look away!
It's a very exciting time to be a Marvel fan. While cinephiles are still recovering from the emotionally devastating contents of Avengers: Infinity War, another massively popular blockbuster has also returned to theaters. Deadpool 2 has finally arrived, bringing the fourth wall breaking title character back to the silver screen for a much bigger and more expansive adventure. While Deadpool 2 is making tons of money and getting great reviews, LGBT advocacy organization GLAAD has its own unique praise for the sequel. The group has spoken out about the power of including a same sex superhero couple, with Negasonic Teenage Warhead and her girlfriend Yukio. GLAAD Sarah Kate Ellis released a statement about the characters, saying:
20th Century Fox have finally given 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, and should send a message to other studios to follow this example of inclusive and smart storytelling.
While not a major aspect of Deadpool 2, the movie did manage to break new ground for the superhero genre. Negasonic Teenage Warhead introduces Deadpool to her girlfriend Yukio at their time spend in the X-Mansion, with the duo of heroes eventually briefly joining the final battle against Juggernaut. And just like that, the first LGBT superhero couple has arrived in a comic book movie.
Sarah Kate Ellis' comments from the GLAAD website celebrate a step forward in a larger conversation that has been surrounding the entertainment industry. Following controversies like #OscarsSoWhite, there has been a call for proper inclusion and visibility in the media. This includes stories about people of color, proper representation for women, as well as LGBT characters. Audiences want to see their experiences reflected through mainstream media, so having the first gay X-Men storyline in the franchise is a significant moment.
The call for queer characters in major franchises has been happening for a few years now, especially in regards to the superhero genre and Star Wars franchise. JJ Abrams has maintained that queer characters are coming to the galaxy far, far away, and the writers of Solo: A Star Wars Story recently revealed that Lando Calrissian is pansexual. Negasonic and Yukio's relationship is presented as fact, and it's not even a big plot point in the movie.
It should be interesting to see if Deadpool's own sexuality is addressed in a future film. Like Lando, Deadpool identifies as pansexual in the Marvel comics. This basically means that he doesn't factor gender into potential romantic partners, and is open to connections with all sorts of people. Wade Wilson has been focused on Morena Baccarin's Vanessa for the first two movies, so there wasn't really an appropriate time or place.
Deadpool 2 is in theaters now. Be sure to check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
