Marvel’s first gay superhero may be The Eternals’ Hercules

Marvel is reportedly planning to make Greek demi-god Hercules its first gay superhero on film in upcoming blockbuster The Eternals.

The groundbreaking move, reported by news site MCU Cosmic, follows the news last month that Marvel was searching for a gay male actor to play the film’s lead.

The studio was looking to cast a man between the ages of 30 and 49 who is preferably open about their sexuality and able to “physically look like a superhero,” according to popular culture site That Hashtag Show.

Hercules and Wolverine have got romantically involved in Marvel comics. (Marvel)

If Hercules does end up being queer in The Eternals, it would be backed up by Marvel’s comics. In 2013, Marvel strip “X-Treme X-Men” featured Hercules and Wolverine declaring their love for each other and kissing.

Fans are excited by the prospect of a gay superhero in Marvel’s The Eternals

The idea of Marvel finally featuring an openly queer superhero has excited many fans of the cinematic universe.

One tweeted: “I just read a rumour that the lead for the new Eternals MCU series is Hercules and he’s going to be openly gay. Please be true .”

“I will be ecstatic (and frankly turned on) if they really make Hercules’ gay ass the leader of the Eternals, in the MCU.”

— @FleetwoodSnac

Another was extremely honest about their feelings, writing: “I will be ecstatic (and frankly turned on) if they really make Hercules’ gay ass the leader of the Eternals, in the MCU.”

One person wrote: “I need an openly gay Hercules in my life tho.”

And another fan simply commented: “That would be AMAZING!!!”

Who are the Eternals?

Created by legendary Marvel writer Jack Kirby, the Eternals are enhanced genetic offshoots of early humanity.

The Eternals most notably fought enemies called Deviants. While Eternals possess god-like powers and are seen as beautiful, Deviants are believed to be physically displeasing.