DC’s latest superhero film, Shazam!, may have introduced cinema’s first openly gay superhero.
The film has topped the box office in the US, with $56 million, as well as a worldwide total of $158 million so far.
It stars Chuck star Asher Angel as Billy Batson, a teen boy who discovers he can transform into an adult superhero called Shazam (Zachary Levi).
The film has drawn comparisons to the Tom Hanks’ Big, and the Will Smith flick Hancock.
One scene sees Billy and friends escape the villain Dr Sivana (Mark Strong) into a strip club.
Pedro, played by Jovan Armand, says: ‘Not my thing.’
Did Shazam introduce film’s first gay superhero?
Many have suggested this is coded to imply Pedro is gay or asexual.
Others have also suggested he could be any other sexuality, but just doesn’t like strip clubs.
The superhero genre is the biggest money-maker in cinema. And the lack of LGBTI representation means many are wishing for representation.
‘I loved that DC introduced a gay latino superhero in the big screen,’ said one fan.
Another said: ‘Can we discuss the fact that Pedro is gay?!’
The only thing I took away from #Shazam was the fact that Pedro Peña is PROBABLY gay.
— chaney 👑 (@chaneyyyyyyyyy) April 8, 2019
IS PEDRO THE FIRST LIVE ACTION GAY SUPERHERO?????
— the sad and kinky King of Hell 👑 (@hey_dearpanda) April 8, 2019
Recently, DC cast a trans and deaf POC actor in the streaming series Titans.
Chella Man will be playing the superhero Jerico in his acting debut.
On the other side of the superhero world, Marvel is also set to include an LGBTI character in a film.
Bisexual actress and filmmaker Angelina Jolie is reportedly in talks to star in The Eternals, the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Oscar-winning actress might be about to make her debut as superhero in the movie by Chloe Zhao.
Production is also reportedly looking to cast an openly gay actor for one of the main roles.
Whoever books the gig will be the first gay actor to play an LGBTI protagonist in a Marvel’s movie.