It’s no mystery that there’s a current plague hitting online fandoms, and it has something to do with weaponized misogyny, racism, and bigotry.
The Star Wars fandom probably has it the worst, but other properties like Lord of the Rings and Marvel aren’t safe from these toxic fans either. With the upcoming series Agatha All Along, the stars talk about what some people get wrong about the franchise.
Agatha All Along Stars on Marvel Misconceptions
In a recent interview with Paul McGuire Grimes, some key cast members of Agatha were asked about common misconceptions about the series, to which they all gave their thoughts. Sasheer Zamata replied, “I think the show shows how deep Marvel can get. This show has so much depth as far as an emotional history, the rawness that these characters go through, and I hope that makes them think that Marvel’s capable of doing more than just flashy, big, blockbuster stuff.”
Ali Ahn added, “The level of artistry, the sets and the costumes—it isn’t just commercial. There’s so much care put into the details, and every department was just elevating everyone else’s work.”
But probably the biggest quote that the interview got was from star Joe Locke, who didn’t hold back and said one of the biggest misconceptions about Marvel was: “That it’s just, like, for straight white men. Because it’s not.”
Marvel v Misogyny
Locke’s quote went around online, so the comments were exactly what some expected from that side of the fandom whenever they’re called out.
Anyone who was online also remembers the endless bashing that any Marvel property got as long as there was a woman or POC in the lead. Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law got a bunch of hate when they came out, and the same fans danced on The Marvels’ grave when the movie didn’t do too well at the box office.
Locke v Marvel Fans
Straight white males aren’t the only people to think that Locke has been kind of controversial with the promotion of the movie as well. Some LGBTQ+ members aren’t a fan of how Locke’s teen character embraces the gay ‘camp’ personality, claiming that he’s perpetuating a stereotype.
Talking to Variety, Locke said about those criticisms, “It really annoyed me because I was like, ‘You can’t ask for authentic casting and then be upset if you have a camp character.’”He then added, “Marvel fans are very open with their opinions. But they’re not in a Marvel show, so *blows raspberry* I’m doing the one thing that they really wish they could be doing. Sorry!”
Who is Locke Playing Again?
As far as the series goes, Locke is only described as ‘Teen,’ the previews also confirm that a curse is stopping him from revealing his identity to Agatha.
Either way, fans are almost sure he’s Billy Maximoff, a.k.a. Wiccan, who is also gay and a magic user in the comics. With the fate of the Scarlet Witch up in the air, it would make sense for him to go to Wanda’s teacher to learn more about his magic abilities. Hopefully, Marvel will reveal his identity right away rather than dangling the carrot for the whole season.
Agatha All Along is set to premiere on Disney+ on Sept. 18.