With films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and series like Prime’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Netflix’s Wednesday, it’s evident that talent like Tenoch Huerta (Namor), Ismael Cruz Córdova (Arondir), Jenna Ortega (Wednesday Addams), and countless others are leading the front when it comes to innovative and transformative characters played by people from our communities.
While the latest study conducted by the Government Accountability Office brought more grim news this year about Latine representation in Hollywood in general, it’s important that we continue to push forward and demand that studios and producers give the talent from our communities a chance to prove that they can flourish in the film and TV industry on all levels.
Until then, one of the most fundamental things we can do is elevate Latines who have found a way to break into the system and book important roles in everything from debut TV series to parts in blockbuster franchises. By uplifting Latine voices, we can do our part to ensure our stories are told and our talent is supported and cherished.
Here are 10 of our favorite Latine characters – from Namor to Wednesday – in films and TV series that were inspirational and entertaining for our communities in 2022.
1
Namor, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
One of the biggest impacts in the entertainment industry in 2022 for Latines was the introduction of Namor, the leader of an underwater Mesoamerican kingdom in the sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Portrayed by Tenoch Huerta, Namor proved that Latines belong front and center when it comes to superhero stories and every other genre Hollywood has to offer. Wakanda Forever cashed in at the box office, and Namor’s anti-heroic flair, style, and look were a big reason for it.
2
Arondir, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
There were other expansive worlds and franchises where Latine characters found space to play. Viewers who headed to Middle Earth this year for the TV series The Rings of Power got a chance to see Arondir, the first Latine elf to ever be portrayed in a J.R.R. Tolkien project, in action, falling in love, and saving the day. Ismael Cruz Córdova carried the bow and arrow exceptionally and has helped advance Latine characters in the sci-fi realm forever.
3
Wednesday Addams, Wednesday
To anyone who doubted that the character of Wednesday Addams couldn’t be played effectively by anyone other than Christina Ricci from the films of the 1990s, you were sorely mistaken. Jenna Ortega was an example this year of perfect casting. Her take on the gothic teenager trying to find her place in the world at a private institution alongside fellow “outcasts” is devilishly enjoyable and makes her one of the most memorable characters of this year. Plus that dance.
4
Jim, Our Flag Means Death
There’s nothing like being in an eccentric world created by filmmaker Taika Waititi. Non-binary actor Vico Ortiz knows a thing or two about it. In the debut season of Our Flag Means Death, which is set in the 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy, they play Jim, a skilled fighter who boards the ship of aristocrat-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and ends up going on a wild adventure where they find family. Also, LGBTQ representation on the high seas? Yes, please! Ortiz’s Jim always offers a swashbuckling good time.
5
Cassian Andor, Andor
Franchises can’t get any bigger than Star Wars. So, when Disney+ decided to do a spin-off series this year for the character Cassian Andor, fans of the 2016 film Rogue One were more than happy to welcome a new chapter to the sprawling storytelling in space. As the title character in Andor, Diego Luna has been incredible in showing that heroes come from many beginnings. We’d follow him any day into any galaxy.
6
America Chavez, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
When it comes to the “multiverse” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, all the rules seem like they were made to be broken. And that’s a good thing when the MCU introduces a character like America Chavez, Marvel’s first major Latine LGBTQ character to hit the big screen. There’s still plenty of room for America to grow as the MCU expands (last we saw she was training and everything) but Xochitl Gomez has put her on an exciting path forward.
7
Luz Noceda, The Owl House
The end of The Owl House’s second season and beginning of its third season aired during 2022, and none other than Luz Noceda, a 14-year-old Latina and the “first bisexual lead character” on a Disney show, is a glimmering star. Voiced by Sarah-Nicole Robles, Luz, as Remezcla put it earlier this year, offers a “unique intersectionality” of her identity, which is what makes her “stand out” and do “the most good” for Latine communities.
8
Valkyrie, Thor: Love and Thunder
Tessa Thompson commands the screen as Valkyrie for the sequel Thor: Love and Thunder. Was there any doubt she would after fans got a glimpse of her character dressed in a power suit, showing off her chiseled arms, and licking the blood of a sword in the first couple of previews? In the film, Valkyrie takes the throne as the new king of New Asgard and leader of her people. But she’s the best at stealing hearts. Even ours.
9
Guillermo de la Cruz, What We Do in the Shadows
Season 4 of the comedy-horror mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows came and went during 2022, and Harvey Guillén’s character Guillermo de la Cruz continued to be a fan favorite. In the latest season, Guillermo packed up and decided to take a huge risk to become a vampire. But the most noteworthy moment came when he officially came out. His courage was palpable and we can’t wait to see if he becomes a vampire and everything that comes with that.
10
Marc Spector/Steven Grant, Moon Knight
Oscar Isaac showed his acting range on TV when he took on the role of Marc Spector, a former Marine and mercenary with an identity disorder. When you’re portraying a character with multiple personalities, there are a lot of decisions an actor must make, and Isaac managed to hit the bullseye with each one by exploring his superhero amalgamation with style and embracing all the chaos that came with it. So much so, that Marc and Steven had dedicated fanbases who wanted to see these two thrive and survive. We don’t count Jake in this house.