Multiverse-jumping Marvel superhero America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), AKA Miss America, gets some major screen time in Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, and many fans are rejoicing online.
The sequel doesn’t officially hit theaters until Friday (May 6), but special screenings started taking place across the country Monday night (May 2), and Marvel fans had plenty to say about the addition of Gomez’s young character to the franchise.
For those who aren’t familiar with America Chavez/Miss America, she is Marvel’s first major Latine LGBTQ character. From her comic book origins, she can jump through universes, packs a hell of a bunch, and is basically invincible in many respects. In the Multiverse of Madness, America is seen hanging out with Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) as the madness starts.
Earlier this year, Remezcla called Gomez’s America Chavez a character who “represents the hope that [kids] could also be the heroes of their own story.”
So, what are some of the first reactions from people who got to see the movie a bit earlier than everyone else? Remezcla Trending News Editor Lyra Hale commented that the movie would’ve lost a lot of its impact if Disney had bowed under pressure and removed a short scene where America remembers her same-sex parents.
“America Chavez and those ‘12 seconds’ some wanted to erase were absolutely ESSENTIAL to this hero’s story,” Hale tweeted. “There’s no way #DoctorStrange2 would’ve made sense without it.”
A writer at @PopCulture thought Gomez brought something new to the Marvel Universe that wasn’t there before. “I love her,” they wrote. “She’s so much fun and Xochitl did an amazing job. Breathe [of] fresh air into the MCU!”
Others predict Gomez’s character will be embraced once Multiverse of Madness hits theaters Friday. “America Chavez is going to be a fan favorite,” a Twitter user wrote.
And others became emotional saying, “I almost cried seeing America Chavez appear on the big screen because I love my Young Avengers.”
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters on May 6, 2022.
