Laverne Cox wants a role in a superhero movie
Laverne Cox said deadnaming was the ‘ultimate insult.’ (Tibrina Hobson/Getty)
Look out, Robert Downey Jr, Laverne Cox is on your tail.
The Orange is the New Black star was taking part in a roundtable of transgender actors for Variety when she was asked why there has not been a trans character in a comic-book movie.
Cox replied cryptically: “I’m working on it.”
Laverne Cox (Phillip Faraone/Getty for Los Angeles Condfidential)
She added: “We’re all ready to be the next superhero, so call our representatives.”
Transparent star Trace Lysette added: “Maybe it’s a squad.”
Despite featuring hundreds of characters across its 20 blockbuster films to date, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has never featured a visible LGB character, let alone a trans character – and the DC and X-Men universes are similarly lacking in representation.
It has been alleged that bosses are concerned that LGBT content may harm global box office takings, as the blockbuster films rely on a wide release in markets where censors ban mention of LGBT people.
Stephen Broussard, a producer on Ant-Man and the Wasp who has worked on MCU films since 2011, recently addressed the frustration.
Sophia Burset (Laverne Cox) in Orange is the New Black
Asked about LGBT characters by Den of Geek, he said: “For sure, you will see that.
“I know it can be frustrating if you’re part of a group that wants to see more representation and the answer is always ‘stay tuned’ – I can imagine that that’s frustrating – but that is happening behind the scenes, you’re going to be seeing that more and more. Representation across individual groups in the years ahead.”
Things are more promising for superheroes on TV, with CW series Supergirl recently casting a transgender star.
The panel members also addressed the row over Scarlett Johannson’s casting in a transgender role for Rub & Tug, and her subsequent exit from the film.
Trace Lysette has starred on Transparent since 2014 (Earl Gibson III/Getty)
Lysette told Variety: “What I would have wished from Scarlett is that she would have stayed attached to the movie [as a producer] and then cast a trans male in the lead. And she can play a supporting role or whatever. Let’s still get it made.”
Chaz Bono put himself forward to play the film’s real-life protagonist Dante ‘Tex’ Gill, adding: “It’s so funny. My manager called me yesterday. He was like, ‘Have you seen this picture? This guy’s you!’
“This is something I would consider, because this guy’s a scumbag. That interests me.”
