12 Greatest MCU Moments Of 2021
3. The MCU's First Gay Superhero (Eternals)
The MCU excels in just about every department, however it has had problems with diversity and representation in the past. This is slowly being addressed, and Eternals took a big step forward as the movie featured the franchise’s first openly gay superhero.
Just before Avengers: Endgame released, the Russo brothers teased the franchise’s first gay character, but this was nothing more than a glorified cameo and the mention of a date. Phastos however, did far more for the LGBTQ+ community in the franchise.
After being involved in some way in the Hiroshima bombings, the Eternal dropped any and all ambitions with his designs, save for some protection around his home, and settled down with a family. By the time Sersi, Sprite, and Ikaris came to see him, he had a loving husband and a loving son with him.
This scene also featured the franchise’s first same sex kiss, which earned it censorship in a handful of countries. However, Disney should be applauded for taking this positive step in its representation, and even if it came a little too late, it will absolutely be just the first step of many in the right direction.