‘The Eternals’ trailer shows Marvel’s first gay superhero…and it’s not who we thought
Have a grain of salt ready, folks.
Journalist Rose Dommu of Out reports that the first trailer for the Marvel film The Eternals showed at Comic-Con Experience 2019 in Brazil over the weekend. A shot from the film apparently shows an out-gay man holding hands with his boyfriend, confirming that the character is not the hero Ikarus.
We’d reported that actor Richard Madden, who plays Ikarus, would also portray the first out-gay superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This was based on comments from Marvel President Kevin Feige, who had confirmed that The Eternals would both feature a queer character, and that said character would be played by an out-queer actor. In that regard, Madden fits the bill.
Related: Finally, some details about Marvel’s first out gay cinematic superhero
Now the reports from CCXP 2019 say that character is actually Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry, known for roles in Atlanta and If Beale Street Could Talk. Henry’s casting would appear to contradict reports that Marvel wanted an out queer actor for the role. Gay rumors have dogged Henry for years, though the actor has never confirmed details of his romantic life.
So does this mean Henry will be officially coming out? Are early reports of his character being gay correct? We expect to know in the next few weeks when the trailer for The Eternals hits the internet. The film, which also stars Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Barry Keoghan and Don Lee. It hits cinemas November 6, 2020.
