As a proud Latina who has grown up admiring comic book heroes, I cannot help but feel a surge of pride and excitement when I see more and more of us being represented on both the big and small screens. It’s heartwarming to witness the evolution of our community’s presence in these worlds, particularly with characters like Tenoch Huerta’s Namor, who is deeply rooted in Mesoamerican culture, and Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, a renowned scientist who challenges stereotypes by portraying academic achievement.
Although there is still a long way to go, the recent representation of Hispanics and Latinos in comic book movies has been a delight for those who grew up wishing to see themselves on-screen as these larger-than-life superheroes. In recent years, we’ve seen Xochitl Gomez playing America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Xolo Maridueña playing Jaime Reyes in Blue Beetle, to name just a couple. From breaking stereotypes to creating diversity in comic book films, Hispanic and Latino representation on-screen paves the way for more creative and heartfelt storytelling.
Presenting these characters on the silver screen offers a refreshing depiction of Hispanic and Latino communities, challenging the long-standing portrayal of harmful stereotypes. For far too long, Hispanic and Latino characters have been used as convenient foils to play criminals, undocumented immigrants, or villains eager for destruction (such as in 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood). This pattern isn’t confined to movies alone; racist stereotypes can even be found in children’s shows like Handy Manny, where a Latino character is portrayed as always ready to work for little pay. It’s also troubling that Latinas are often objectified, as exemplified in series like Modern Family.
2023’s Blue Beetle movie showcases an exceptional representation of a Hispanic superhero character, offering a fresh perspective on big-screen superheroes. The film beautifully portrays elements that define and enrich Hispanic households, integrating them into the development of the main character. For instance, in the story, Jamie Reyes (Maridueña) lives with multiple generations of his family, depicting the mix of chaos and warmth they bring. Characters like an eccentric uncle who blindly trusts internet information and a doting grandmother who goes the extra mile to help are examples of this. The film resonates deeply with the beauty of our culture, emphasizing unity, mutual support, and growth within families. Despite the diverse opinions and influences within the family, they remain united, supportive, and prosperous. Each member adds their unique touch, making their family distinct.
In this movie, none of the characters fell into typical stereotypes. Instead, their actions that were common within their community were portrayed with affection and respect, rather than used for comedic effect. I found myself smiling when they shared tacos as a family early on in the film. Even though it’s often assumed that the Hispanic and Latino communities are passionate about tacos, it was clear that the director and actors were aiming to humorously emphasize the role of food in their culture.
The portrayal in the movie wasn’t merely about the actors; the director Angel Manuel Soto, being of Hispanic descent, also played a significant role. Having someone from the community at such a high creative position can help maintain authenticity and respect for the smallest details. Without a figure like him behind the lens, many cultural nuances might have been overlooked or misrepresented.
Although there aren’t many Hispanic and Latino characters in live-action DC films thus far, Blue Beetle instills hope for more. Now that James Gunn is resetting the live-action DC universe–and has said Maridueña’s Blue Beetle will be continuing forward in the new continuity–there’s a ready-made way to continue building on that representation. Additionally, there are a number of Hispanic and Latino characters throughout the DC Comics canon–Bane and a pair of Green Lanterns, Jessica Cruz and Kyle Rayner, to name a few–that would allow for even more Hispanic actors in its new universe.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there’s been a gradual increase in featuring more Latino characters over the past few years. Notable among these newcomers are Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez and Oscar Isaac as Marc Spector in Moon Knight. While these characters haven’t fully represented our culture yet, it is significant that they hold prominent roles without being reduced to stereotypes.
In the 2022 release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Marvel effectively showcased Mesoamerican culture, even though the main characters were not Hispanic or Latino. This was achieved by casting Tenoch Huerta, a Mexican-born actor, as Namor. The character’s portrayal in this adaptation deviated from his traditional Greek mythology roots and instead drew heavily on Mayan influences, offering a unique perspective. It was rewarding to witness such a renowned studio acknowledging a historically underrepresented aspect of our past.
Despite an increasing presence of Latinos and Hispanics on the big screen, their representation on television has not followed suit. A recent Deadline report highlights a 40% annual drop in Hispanic characters, with just 3% of main roles in popular shows belonging to Hispanics. Therefore, accurate portrayals are crucial for reflecting the community and fostering understanding.
A notable character who could significantly influence the community is Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in the upcoming Fantastic Four remake, set to hit theaters next year. Interestingly, several characters mentioned before have a common trait – they’re all combative. While this may be exciting, it might not convey the most positive message. What sets Reed apart is his reputation as a brilliant scientist. In the comic books, he obtained numerous degrees from esteemed institutions like Harvard University, where he earned a PhD in Physics and Electrical Engineering.
It’s significant to consider this aspect, as it’s uncommon for Hispanics and Latinos to be depicted as academic achievers on screen. Casting Pascal as Reed reinforces the idea that our community is capable of reaching such intellectual heights and offers a positive representation instead of perpetuating the stereotypes we frequently encounter.
As a devoted fan, I’d like to point out another compelling aspect of Pascal’s portrayal of Reed Richards: it could underscore the immense significance of family in popular culture. In the Marvel universe, the Fantastic Four is frequently referred to as “Marvel’s First Family,” a title that Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige has often emphasized when discussing the films. Although Pascal is currently the only confirmed Latino cast member, he has the potential to demonstrate the profound impact of family on individuals outside our culture. This could enrich the storyline, making it more nuanced and engaging for audiences everywhere.
As a gamer, I appreciate how Marvel isn’t just limited to live-action characters. Lately, they’ve been incorporating more Hispanic and Latino characters into their animated projects, like Miles Morales and Miguel O’Hara from the Spider-Verse films. Just like Blue Beetle, these movies beautifully capture the warmth of Hispanic households and remind us how crucial family is in our culture. At the same time, they demonstrate that characters like O’Hara can play complex villains without resorting to harmful stereotypes, while also showcasing that Hispanics can hold powerful positions.
Although live-action comic book movies have not featured many Hispanic or Latino characters up until now, we are laying the groundwork for increased representation. Gradually but steadily, our community is carving out a presence in these films and series, and I can’t help but feel proud of our collective efforts as it opens doors for more Hispanics and Latinos to share their voices and narratives.
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2024-08-16 22:09