‘Spencer’ Star Kristen Stewart Satisfyingly Slams Critics of LGBTQ Representation in Movies
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie Eternals will feature the first openly gay superhero. DC Comics also recently announced that Superman’s son, Jonathan Kent, is bisexual. Some audiences have embraced the increased sense of diversity and inclusion, while others have criticized it. Actor Kristen Stewart recently slammed those who are openly bashing LGBTQ representation in entertainment.
LGBTQ narratives in entertainment
Many filmmakers have been trying to expand their scope in their storytelling. More narratives are coming to the forefront from various communities. Billy Eichner’s Bros is going to mark the first gay romantic comedy featuring an all-LGBTQ principal cast to come from a major studio. Universal Pictures’ upcoming movie is setting history in multiple regards. Meanwhile, Eternals and Jonathan Kent are also big steps in mainstream entertainment.
However, other independent filmmakers have been exploring LGBTQ narratives more frequently. Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight even went on to win the Oscar for best picture. Andrew Haigh’s Weekend, Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain and Glory, Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and Todd Haynes’ Carol have all given marvelous narratives. However, LGBTQ representation angers some audiences who only want to see straight stories on the silver screen. Some Hollywood studios have even tried to appeal to international territories by censoring their movies and making cuts.
Kristen Stewart responds to critics of LGBTQ representation
Stewart talked with Variety about LGBTQ representation in Eternals and Kent’s bisexuality. She expressed an appropriately firm response that film narratives are no longer going to totally exclude an entire community of folks. Progress is going to continue to be made, regardless of what some people think of it.
“I would say you’ve had your time,” Stewart said. “If you’re happier and more comfortable looking in the rearview mirror, that is where we will leave you, bruh (laughs). But sure, go watch every other movie that feels like it hasn’t really touched on what we are and we will just continue growing without you.”
Art is constantly evolving and making independent movies is easier than it used to be. However, Hollywood is also finally starting to embrace including more diverse narratives. There’s still a lot of progress to go, but it isn’t going to stop in the name of people who feel more comfortable watching movies that exclude LGBTQ folks entirely.
Kristen Stewart is getting Oscar buzz for ‘Spencer’
Stewart has had a hugely successful career. She has openly discussed her bisexual identity and sought to erase the notion that bisexual folks are sexually confused. The more that LGBTQ-identified celebrities discuss these topics, the more normalized these narratives will be in mainstream culture.
Stewart has proven herself to be an incredibly dynamic actor in everything from 2002’s Panic Room to 2016’s Personal Shopper. Stewart is currently getting major Oscar buzz for her upcoming movie Spencer, which sees her starring as Diana, Princess of Wales.
Spencer will be playing exclusively in theaters Nov. 5.
