Tessa Thompson reveals some of the major changes coming in the MCU

The Thor: Ragnarok star opened up about some of the positive changes people can expect in Phase Four of the MCU in terms of representation and diversity.

Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie hasn’t been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for that long, but in the short space of time that she’s been entertaining audiences, she has quickly become a fan-favorite character (just as Thompson herself has become a fan-favorite performer).

Valkyrie is the MCU’s first bisexual character and, even though the films have yet to explore that arc for the character, fans hope to see her given storylines that could explore her sexuality in future films.

Thompson is well-aware of how major it was for the MCU to introduce a character like Valkyrie, especially in terms of representation. During an interview with Ramy Youssef as part of Variety’s Actors on Actors edition, she spoke of the importance of representation and how that will ultimately influence much of Phase Four.

"“I think in this next phase of Marvel, we’re really talking about what representation looks like in those spaces… Because the truth is these movies travel globally in such huge ways and if you can represent people that are of color, if you can represent people with disabilities, if you can represent the LGBTQIA community inside of these films, it’s a pretty big deal.”"

The idea of Marvel embracing representation in its upcoming chapter is undoubtedly refreshing to hear. After all, there was once a time when the shared universe of superheroes was criticized for a significant lack of diversity – something that Kevin Feige actively fought to change. And through the inclusion of characters like Valkyrie and, following that, films like Black Panther and Captain Marvel, that’s exactly what Marvel Studios has begun to do.

The importance of an MCU that represents everyone

Representation is such an important thing, and there’s still a way to go, but the idea of the largest cinematic universe on our screens actively representing people of color, the LGBTQ+ community or those with disabilities is a major step forward for progress. Thompson clearly agrees, adding:

"I’m really excited that we’re able to continue to push the bounds of that and that I’m able to do that with Valkyrie, because there’s so many cool queer characters in the comic books and they should have a place on-screen."

Thompson debuted as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok before she reprised the role in Avengers: Endgame. She will reprise the role once again in Thor: Love and Thunder, alongside Chris Hemsworth’s titular God of Thunder and Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster.

Thor: Love and Thunder hits theaters on February 11, 2022. Are you looking forward to it? Let us know in the comments below!