Who’s Who: Bisexuality in the DC & Marvel Cinematic Universes

Superhero movies are making space for bisexual heroes of all kinds. And there’s potential for a lot more to join the bi-pride parade.

DC & Marvel have been casually introducing bisexual characters into their live-action universes. And for the bisexuals watching at home, it means a lot to us to see heroes we love casually come out. There are a few characters who’ve said on-screen that they’re into multiple genders. And there are a few more who could be basking in bisexual lighting in future productions.

This video contains minor spoilers for ‘Peacemaker’, ‘Loki’, the ‘Eternals’ post-credits scene, and the ‘Harley Quinn’ cartoon. But I promise these spoilers won’t ruin your watching experience.

Or bisexual chaos-gas, in the case of Harley Quinn, courtesy of Warner Bros.

Before We Dive In… Why Does It Matter?

We all know that representation matters. All kinds of people deserve to see themselves reflected positively in the media, that’s a no-brainer. As we get to know characters and their interpersonal relationships, it makes sense that some would be all about that bi life.

Queer representation in media has been a relevant topic of conversation for a long time. Previously, LGBTQ+ characters have been written off as clichés, deviants, predators, or just erased from narratives entirely. But as more members of the Alphabet Mafia make their way into writers’ rooms, we’re telling more nuanced, empathetic stories about queer people. And the future of the on-screen rainbow is looking brighter than ever.

And that’s important. Because it’s validating to see the way shows are normalizing love and identities of all kinds. Marvel & DC have been casually introducing bi/pansexuals into two of the most influential cinematic universes of all. These moments seem nonchalant, but they go a long way to destigmatize bisexuality.

Peacemaker (and Vigilante?)

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

There were certainly hints that Christopher Smith was an all-gender lover in HBO’s Peacemaker series. I guess you could explain away a few of his comments and his threesome with Amber and Vigilante. But if you had any doubts, Peacemaker is officially bisexual in the DCEU canon.

Just before the first season of Peacemaker wrapped, James Gunn confirmed it. The news might sound crazy, but it ain’t no lie – Chris is bi-bi-bi. Gunn credited star John Cena’s improvisational skills, which naturally guided the character to be “into anything sexually”.

It’s a subtle but great moment for bisexual men, who don’t often get as much pop-culture exposure as their female counterparts. Peacemaker fits all the landmarks of your stereotypical manly-man. He shows that bi men come in all shapes, sizes, and personality types.

Loki & Sylvie

In Marvel’s Loki series, the third episode confirmed that Tom Hiddleston’s beloved character Loki and Sylvie are both bisexual. They’re also referred to as gender-fluid. During a conversation between the two protagonists, the two confirm that there have been both princes and princesses in their relationship past. Loki is officially the first canon queer MCU lead character.

Harley Quinn

Birds of Prey was a breakthrough moment for the fan-favorite character from an otherwise ill-received Suicide Squad. The movie chronicles Harley’s journey to reclaim her own identity, and at the beginning of the film, she takes a quick cartooned list of her exes. And they’re not all men.

Fans have known Harley was bisexual before the editors at DC Comics confirmed it. She’s one of the characters we claimed as our own. As her friendship with fellow Batman-villain Poison Ivy grew, it became clear the two were OTP material. And soon enough, they were holding hands and skipping through the panels of comic books.

The two girlfriends are also a canon couple in the Harley Quinn cartoon on HBO Max. Both characters were in relationships with men earlier in the show but sussed out their feelings for one another at the end of the second season.

Valkyrie

It’s not directly addressed in Thor: Ragnarok, but we do know that Valkyrie is bisexual. Actress Tessa Thompson told Time Magazine that, at her request, the character is canon bi. When we meet Valkyrie, the character recounts a devastating battle against Hela, the goddess of Death. The story implies that one of her fellow Valkyries struck down in the battle was her romantic partner. The film was apparently supposed to have a more direct reference to her sexual orientation, but the scene was cut.

Valkyrie strutting down that Rainbow bridge, courtesy of Marvel Studios

In the upcoming Thor: Love & Thunder, Valkyrie will be further establishing her role as the new King of Asgard. Thompson told i09 that Valkyrie will be “looking for her queen” in the upcoming movie. Personally, I’m very on-board for a Sif and Valkyrie romance. And I’m not the only one.

Bisexual Opportunities in the MCU

Last year, The Eternals post-credits scene introduced audiences to Eros, the hero known as Starfox. He’s known as the god of love, and in the comics, he’s able to influence people and make them feel amorously toward him. Now, this sounds like a setup for a predatory bisexual trope, but something tells me the folks at Marvel are prepared to address his powers in a thoughtful way.

Fans also picked up on the chemistry between Yelena Belova and Kate Bishop in the holiday hit series Hawkeye. While the story didn’t include any details about Kate’s relationship life, her character’s arc had some serious queer undertones that we’d like to see explored in the future.

Is it love in an elevator? Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Of course, one of the most badass bisexuals in Marvel comics is the Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool himself. And there are rumors that Ryan Reynolds wants the character’s bi/pansexuality to be a part of his character’s story in a third film. And while we’re not sure where Deadpool will pop up in the MCU next, it’s only a matter of time before he appears on-screen.

Deadpool Laughing GIFfrom Deadpool GIFs

Potential Bisexuals in the DCEU

There’s another casual outing I’d like to see from the folks over at DC. The Princess of the Amazons herself, Wonder Woman, is canon bisexual in the comics. And while DC hasn’t even implied that the DCEU Diana is bi, Gal Gadot has said that she believes Diana loves people for their heart and not their gender.

A third Wonder Woman movie is a great opportunity to casually explore Diana’s sexual orientation, and I will consider WB acknowledging that she’s bi as a personal apology for the garbage-fire that was WW1984.

There are so many more characters we have yet to fully meet who could be bisexual based on their source material. This newest incarnation of Selena Kyle in The Batman could mention past relationships with different genders. And as the DCEU grows, we could meet a new version of Johnny Constantine. Or, be still my heart, perhaps we’ll even see an on-screen adaptation of Catman.

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Do it, DC, you cowards! Panel Courtesy of DC Comics

How do you feel about these bisexual characters helping shape the futures of the MCU and DCEU? Who’s your favorite bisexual hero or antihero? Sound off in the comments down below!

Author: Danni Danger

Danni is a staff writer and editor whose expertise lies in comic books, superhero movies, science fiction/fantasy, horror, and cheesy dad jokes. They spent 8 glorious years working at Austin Books & Comics, and created content for almost 15 years. They've written for the Daily Dot and made YouTube content with the Weirdlings. Danni currently does all the things for BoLS, Screen Fanatic, and TheStreet.