By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Deadpool 2's Brianna Hildebrand Is Proud to Be Marvel's First Explicitly Queer Superhero
"As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, it feels awesome to be paving that path."
Deadpool 2 smashed into theaters last weekend, breaking box office records and kicking down boundaries in LGBTQ representation.
Mild spoiler alert, Negasonic Teenage Warhead gets a girlfriend and effectively becomes Marvel's first explicitly queer superhero on the big screen, closely followed by her superhero lover, Yukio.
[iframe https://giphy.com/embed/3ixQCAGi1gz5R1Hzd2 allowfullscreen="" class=^{{"giphy-embed"}}^ frameborder="0" height="222" width="480"]
GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis praised the film in a press release. "20th Century Fox and Marvel have finally given countless moviegoers around the world what they’ve longed to see - LGBTQ superheroes in a relationship who protect the world together." She added, "Negasonic and Yukio’s storyline is a milestone in a genre that too often renders LGBTQ people invisible, and should send a message to other studios to follow this example of inclusive and smart storytelling."
On premiere day, Brianna Hildebrand, who plays Negasonic Teenage Warhead, opened up about her groundbreaking role to TooFab. "It's awesome, it's super awesome," Hildebrand raved.
"My dad's been sending me links like all morning, he's super stoked about it. It feels really good, as a member of the LGBTQ community myself, it feels awesome to be paving that path."
When the storyline was first mentioned to Hildebrand, she knew how she'd wanted to be represented in the role. "I know that when Ryan messaged me about it, the only thing I requested is that it not be made a big deal. I think that's part of what makes it so special, it's just mentioned and it is what it is. I hope that fans can appreciate that about it."
The 21-year-old now fully understands the importance of her character and LGBTQ representation. "When I was younger, I was never really a big fan of superheroes or anything, but going to conventions I realized how important they are to people and how empowering they can be and I think it's really important to be able to see a version of yourself, or someone you can relate to on the screen, being invincible.
"I hope some kids around the world can see that they can do what they want and see themselves while doing it."
[iframe https://giphy.com/embed/xThtaq4DPmzQzkrQYw allowfullscreen="" class=^{{"giphy-embed"}}^ frameborder="0" height="196" width="480"]
For all of the LGBTQ fans out there, Hildebrand had just one wish, "I hope that I do them a justice."
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
