Avengers: Endgame - 10 Huge Controversies Nobody Saw Coming

The MCU’s first gay character has been controversial for two diametrically opposed reasons. One reason is simply that they exist at all, while the other is the manner in which it was introduced.

The first reason hardly warrants discussion. If you don’t want to see or hear about gay characters in mass media, there’s no rhyme or reason behind it; that’s just homophobia.

Controversy over the way we met the MCU’s first character has some weight though. Regardless of the character’s sexuality, the fact it’s a director’s cameo from Joe Russo means it took a fair few people out of the moment.

While there’s something to be said for the subtlety, it feels out of place here. As gay people are a normal part of life, it makes sense that there’s no particular hubbub when someone mentions their sexuality in universe.

Then again, in a story with so many iconic heroes, having the first queer character be an unnamed grieving husband is a little hollow. 22 movies and only one scene to show isn’t very much.

Thankfully, the MCU has a fair few options for who could become their first LGBT* superhero.