Did “Shazam” Introduce a Gay Character in the Live-Action Film? It Sure Did!

Now that Shazam is in theatres, people seem to be enjoying it a lot, even with certain pacing issues. Also, the kid-oriented film doesn’t shy away from hinting at a POC character being gay. Hey, MCU! What’s good?

This article contains spoilers for Shazam. So, proceed with caution.  

Being part of a family is very important in the latest live-action DC Comics film. While Billy does hesitate at first, we see him connecting with his foster family as the story progresses. The casting of the kids in this movie is very diverse. Each character has distinct personalities, to which many will be able to relate.

With queer characters showing up in kid-friendly big-screen fare being taboo in Hollywood, unfortunately, kudos to Shazam for not shying away.

The movie has a POC character, Pedro, not only mention his sexual preference but also turn into a superhero.

And while his line might be taken as a joke by people forcing to grasp onto their heteronormativity, the film’s director David F. Sanberg has confirmed it. What more do you want?

The inclusion of Pedro, if I’m not wrong, is the third time that DC Comics live-action films have featured a queer character, the first being Diana Prince as Wonder Woman. Harley Quinn was in Suicide Squad.

I mean, if you think Diana and Harley are straight, I can’t help you there.

Anyway, such inclusion makes what the MCU has been doing for more than a decade all the more frustrating. Disney is okay with using canonically queer characters (Loki and Valkyrie) on the big screen but refuses to even hint at their queerness. It is an overall mess.

Say what you want about the DCEU (or Worlds of DC), at least it is doing something different when it comes to promoting diversity in films.

The MCU needs to pick up its game and actually deliver instead of continuing to talk about it.

Do read our review of Shazam.

Have you watched Shazam yet? What did you think of Pedro being gay? Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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