Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies - who was responsible for introducing gay characters to the sci-fi show and for creating homosexual drama 'It's A Sin' - has criticised Disney+ show 'Loki' for its "pathetic" coming out scene, in which the titular character reveals he is bisexual.
In the new Disney+ series, Tom Hiddleston's villainous Marvel alter ego reveals his sexuality during a conversation with Lady Loki, also known as Sylvie, in the third episode “Lamentis”, a moment which was heralded on social media by fans.
Sylvie says: “Must’ve been would-be princess or perhaps, another prince?” Prompting Loki to reply: "A bit of both, I suspect the same as you”, implying he has had both male and female partners in the past.
Davies is responsible for bringing acclaimed homosexual dramas “Queer As Folk” and “It's A Sin” to television screens and for introducing gay and bisexual characters into “Doctor Who” during his time as showrunner, and he was far from impressed with the limited screen time such a momentous moment was given in a franchise as important as the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
During a Q&A about LGBTQ+ representation with Swansea University, he fumed: "I think huge, clanging warning bells are ringing as the giants rise up with Netflix and Disney+ especially.
“I think that’s a very great worry. Loki makes one reference to being bisexual once, and everyone’s like, ‘Oh my god, it’s like a pansexual show.’ It’s like one word.
“He said the word ‘prince,’ and we’re meant to go, ‘Thank you, Disney! Aren’t you marvelous?’
“It’s pathetic. It’s a ridiculous, craven, feeble gesture towards the vital politics and the stories that should be told.”
“Loki” director Kate Herron took to Twitter in the wake of the scene airing on the streaming service and insisted she was proud to have been able to reveal Loki's sexuality, even if it may have been a "small step".
She tweeted: "From the moment I joined ‘Loki’ it was very important to me, and my goal, to acknowledge Loki was bisexual.
“It is a part of who he is and who I am, too. I know this is a small step but I’m happy, and heart is so full, to say that this is now Canon.”