Marvel's first non-binary MCU character will reportedly debut in Ironheart

Marvel Comics has a long legacy of inclusive characters. Over the company's vast history, it’s created a beloved library of characters that represent various groups. There are characters of every race, sexualities and gender identities, including non-binary people.

However, with the advent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, comic book fans have noticed Marvel's erasure of these characters’ identities. Characters like Loki had their gender fluidity removed; Valkyrie had her bisexuality stripped away. But Marvel is looking to change that.

The MCU’s first non-binary character

Reported by The Direct, renowned MCU Insider Daniel Richtman revealed that Marvel is working on debuting the first non-binary MCU character. According to the Insider, the character will be introduced in the upcoming Ironheart series.

Richtman explained that Marvel is looking to hire an actor that is also “non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid”, fitting with the character. They're also described as being in their 20s or early 30s. Additionally, Marvel is calling for actors of all ethnicities.

The Insider didn't say what character this actor will be playing in the upcoming show. While Marvel does have a number of non-binary characters, they don't have any main characters with that gender identity. Of course, Marvel could change the gender identity of an established character or make one of its minor characters more prominent for the show.

There is one character that we can see being used in the show: Kenneth Kingston. In the comics, Kingston is a minor character who is helped by Miles Morales. However, seeing as they're a similar age to Riri Williams and in the same location, they could be used as a supporting friend in the new show.

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A more inclusive MCU in general

In the past year, Marvel has committed to bringing back the more inclusive elements of the comic books into the MCU. This was kicked off by the creation of the Loki TV show, a series that promised to introduce the character’s gender identity. Furthermore, Marvel is planning to cement Valkyrie as bisexual in Thor: Love and Thunder.

Of course, the more inclusive the MCU becomes, the more certain crowds moan about the company going “woke”. However, that crowd forgets that Marvel has always had progressive characters amidst a multitude of mediums. The MCU is just starting to honour that.