Doctor Strange 2 set to introduce out and proud queer superhero, new merch hints
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will bring another openly LGBT+ hero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (YouTube/Marvel Entertainment)
New merch for the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has hinted that the film will celebrate a new character’s queerness loudly and proudly.
Marvel announced in 2020 that Xochitl Gomez had been cast as the lesbian teenage superhero America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Chavez, also known as Miss America, has been a favourite ever since her comic book debut back in 2011, and fans have been eager to find out whether the MCU will put her queerness front and centre.
In true Marvel fashion, the film studio has kept mostly quiet about the film and about Chavez’ introduction. However, new promotional merch for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on Amazon has given fans an exciting clue.
The “America Chavez Costume” shirt features details from the front of the lesbian hero’s iconic jacket, including an LGBT+ Pride flag pin on one breast pocket. There is also the message “Amor es Amor”, which is Spanish for “love is love”, alongside the buttons to the jacket.
The shirt is sold as “officially licensed Marvel apparel”, however fans are still waiting for their first clear, full look at Gomez in costume as Chavez.
In December, Marvel released its first trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but Chavez appeared only briefly in a couple of shots.
Coming after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, the sequel will see Dr Strange “tamper with the stability of spacetime” after a spell goes wrong and entering the multiverse.
It’s speculated that Miss America could play a huge role in the film as in the comics Chavez runs away into the multiverse after being forced to flee Planeta Fuertona, an all-female planet.
The young hero is gifted with enhanced speed and strength as well as the ability to punch holes through the fabric of time and space.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrives in cinemas on 6 May.
