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Home • Celebrity

Tessa Thompson Is About To Play Marvel's First-Ever LGBTQ Superhero

Tessa Thompson Is About To Play Marvel's First-Ever LGBTQ Superhero
Courtesy of Tome for Moda Operandi
By Shalayne Pulia · Updated October 26, 2020

Marvel is about to hit a big first: Tess Thompson has confirmed on Twitter that she will be playing Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first LGBTQ character in the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok movie. And she’s a total badass.

The actress, who will portray Valkyrie, took to Twitter to clarify that her character is bisexual after people posted negative comments online, slamming the actress’s conservative wardrobe in the movie. Following Marvel’s much-awaited Thor teaser video drop, one user said that he was disappointed in Valkyrie’s “typical sexless marvel tomboy” look, adding that “she used to be cool and sexy” in the comics.

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https://twitter.com/GregSelkirk/status/921835182994460673

 

Another fan clapped back stating, “I doubt [Valkyrie] would give your opinion any thought.”

Valkyrie in the comics is a big ole lesbian so I doubt she would give your opinion any thought. 💁🏽💁🏼

— Happy Jjongpril Month 🌸🌙 (@oresteian) October 21, 2017

 

It’s a sentiment Thompson also supported in her post, clarifying that the character is bisexual.

She’s bi. And yes, she cares very little about what men think of her. What a joy to play! https://t.co/d0LZKTHCfL

— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) October 21, 2017

 

Traditionally, Valkyrie is a blonde Norse goddess and native of Asgard (Thor’s homeland). She’s known for her unmatched strength and endurance in battle.

The film’s director, Taika Waititi, wanted to do more than add diversity to the franchise. He told EW that in casting Thompson, he found the perfect actor to elevate the role from someone who could have been just boring and pretty to a strong, independent character.

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Thompson also spoke to EW about her costume, noting, “As far as the armor, [Valkyrie]’s such a badass that she doesn’t need a lot of metal to protect her.”

An independent woman who can defend herself and stand up to Twitter trolls? Now that’s a superhero we want to know.

Check out the latest trailer below.

You can catch Thor‘s third solo movie in theaters on Nov. 2.

This article originally appeared on InStyle.