The third chapter of Guardians of the Galaxy, a much-loved superhero franchise, has hit theater screens. Becoming a huge hit in only a week or so, the latest film has done more than smash the box office: it has delivered lesbian representation.
Her name is Phyla-Vell and she’s portrayed by actor Kai Zen in the film. “In the comic books, [Phyla-Vell] is the daughter of the superhero Mar-Vell as well as the sister of Genis-Vell,” according to Metro Weekly. “If you’re not well-versed in the original comics and the names, don’t worry, because you’re not alone. Phyla-Vell has also gone by the aliases Quasar, Captain Marvel, and Martyr at different points in her history.”
In the comics, it was not only hinted that Phyla-Vell was sapphic – she flat-out admitted an attraction to another woman. While she didn’t appear in the books until after 2000, she’s a meaningful contribution to the growing franchise.
“In a post-credit Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 scene, the audience gets to meet Phyla-Vell. She’s introduced as part of the all-new Guardians team, as the original characters are all going their separate ways at the end of the third movie. It seems Marvel believes it’s time to move on and breathe some new life into the series…if it’s going to continue.”
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been criticized for not being diverse enough when it comes to sexual orientation. While Phyla-Vell is probably too young to have a love interest on screen yet, and she’s not a major character, having her on our screens is better than nothing.
In just over a week Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will gross more than half a billion dollars in the coming day or two, according to Forbes.
“With great word of mouth in the form of an “A” grade from audiences via Cinemascore and a “Certified Fresh” 82% critics’ score at Rotten Tomatoes, the film enjoyed healthy Monday receipts worldwide — topping $300 million including $20 million internationally — and should have good holds this weekend.”
