Thor: Love and Thunder - A (Slightly) Queer Adventure in the MCU

So, you've seen Thor: Love and Thunder, or you're at least wondering what all the buzz is about, right? The big question on everyone's mind: How gay is it, really? Well, grab your Bifrost and let's dive in. While the marketing hinted at a rainbow bridge of representation, the actual movie lands somewhere between a gentle sprinkle and a full-on Pride parade. Let's unpack it.

A Galaxy of Queer-Coded Characters

The movie doesn't shy away from including queer characters. We have Valkyrie, now King of New Asgard, and Korg, our favorite rock-creature narrator. And let's not forget the polyamorous space dolphins! However, the execution is where things get a little… rocky (pun intended!).

Valkyrie: Queen and Warrior, But Where's the Queen's Love?

Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie has been openly bisexual in the comics for years, and Thompson herself has confirmed this portrayal. Yet, in Love and Thunder, her romantic life remains frustratingly unexplored. She spends most of the film fighting and reminiscing about her fallen sisters, echoing her role in Ragnarok. While her struggles and dedication to her people are admirable, a romantic relationship could have added significant depth and nuance to her character. Imagine seeing her navigate the complexities of ruling a kingdom while also pursuing a meaningful connection with another character! That feels like a missed opportunity, doesn't it?

Korg Finds Love (Eventually)

Korg, voiced by director Taika Waititi, does find love with another male Kronan, Dwayne (yes, that Dwayne...a rock, get it?). This is undoubtedly a positive step, but it happens so late in the movie and with so little development that it feels more like an afterthought than an integral part of the narrative. It's a fun moment, sure, but is it enough to satisfy the hunger for genuine queer representation?

The (Lack of) Romantic Intimacy

Here's the crux of the issue: While Love and Thunder introduces queer characters and acknowledges their existence, it lacks the romantic intimacy and development that many fans were hoping for. There's no physical, verbal, or emotional connection depicted on screen between Valkyrie and any potential love interest. This absence feels particularly glaring when compared to the attention given to Thor and Jane Foster's rekindled romance.

Think about it: A romantic relationship for Valkyrie could have provided a powerful exploration of her vulnerability and healing process after the loss of her sisterhood. It could have added another layer to her leadership and her connection to the people of New Asgard. Instead, we're left with a character who is perpetually defined by her past trauma, rather than given the chance to move forward and find happiness.

Is Thor Gay? The Answer Is… Complicated

The burning question: Is Thor himself gay in this movie? The answer is a resounding… maybe not. While the movie plays with some queer-coded elements, particularly through Korg's narration and some playful moments, Thor's primary romantic interest remains firmly with Jane Foster. There's a montage of Thor with past lovers, all of whom are women. He kisses a "wolf woman," but the overall vibe is overwhelmingly heterosexual. Sorry to dissapoint!

Why Does Representation Matter?

Now, you might be wondering, "Why does this all matter so much?" Well, representation in media, especially in a massive franchise like Marvel, is crucial for normalizing and validating queer experiences. When LGBTQ+ individuals see themselves reflected on screen in complex, meaningful ways, it can foster a sense of belonging and acceptance. It can also help to break down harmful stereotypes and promote empathy among viewers.

Marvel has made strides in recent years to include more diverse characters in its films and TV shows. However, the representation often feels cautious and restrained. The fear of alienating certain audiences or facing censorship in international markets seems to be holding the studio back from fully embracing queer storylines.

Hope for the Future of Queer Representation in the MCU

So, what's the takeaway from all of this? Thor: Love and Thunder is a fun, visually stunning movie with some queer-coded characters and a few moments of representation. However, it falls short of being the groundbreaking, unapologetically queer film that many fans were hoping for.

But here's the thing: We can still hold onto hope. The MCU is constantly evolving, and there's always the potential for future films and shows to delve deeper into queer narratives. Perhaps we'll see Valkyrie finally find love and happiness, or maybe we'll even see a major character come out as LGBTQ+. Until then, we can continue to celebrate the small victories and advocate for more authentic and meaningful representation in the Marvel universe.

What do you think? Did Thor: Love and Thunder live up to your expectations in terms of queer representation? Let us know in the comments below!