Hawkeye, Black Widow, Captain America — there are a LOT of Marvel superheroes (and super villains!) out there. But some heroes, the movies/shows they were featured in, and the actors who portrayed them just got special recognition.
In the film Eternals, Marvel introduced a superhero who is deaf, Makkari, to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the Disney+ series Hawkeye, Marvel introduced another super-powered character who is deaf, Echo. Both roles were portrayed by deaf actors. Now the company is being recognized for featuring actors with disabilities.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel’s Eternals and Hawkeye have both earned the Seal of Authentic Representation from the Ruderman Family Foundation. The Ruderman Family Foundation actively “advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society.” The foundation’s Seal of Authentic Representation recognizes movies and TV shows that feature actors with disabilities who have at least five lines of dialogue in their roles.
Both Makkari and Echo are portrayed by deaf actresses, Lauren Ridloff and Alaqua Cox, with the latter also being an amputee who uses a prosthetic leg.
Eternals director Chloe Zhao said in a statement, “Makkari is full of heart and wisdom. She is strong, charismatic, mysterious, and mischievous. We are very lucky to have found Lauren Ridloff, who is our real-life Makkari!…She has brought this character to life with love and conviction and has taught us so much in the process.”
Sarah Finn, who heads up casting for the MCU, said, “Alaqua Cox’s character, Maya Lopez/Echo, is based off an existing Marvel character who is deaf and Native American. In casting the role, we wanted to celebrate and honor both Deaf and Native American cultures. We couldn’t be more delighted by Alaqua Cox’s performance. She is phenomenal and part of a new culture in film and television, where authentic representation not only matters but is paramount to the kind of stories we want to tell and how we shape them.”
Jay Ruderman, the president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, said “These practices are increasingly becoming the norm in Hollywood, with the authentic casting of Lauren Ridloff in Eternals and Alaqua Cox in Hawkeye marking a particularly high-profile and momentous milestone for Marvel and the entire entertainment industry. Each time a casting director or other executive makes such a decision, it facilitates the industry’s broader journey towards fulfilling its full potential as a beacon of all forms of diversity and social justice.”
We’ll continue to keep you updated on all Marvel and Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more!
⚠️ Proceed With Caution Marvel Fans ⚠️ Disney’s Latest Collection is EPIC! Check It Out Here!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!
Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today!
Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂
Have you watched Eternals and Hawkeye? Let us know in the comments!
TRENDING NOW

We're LIVE from Disney's newest cruise ship, the Disney Wish! Come aboard with us to...

This summer Ghirardelli is giving us "s'more" sweet treats for FREE with their S'more Summer...

Comparing the advantages and disadvantages to staying in the most affordable Disney World resort hotels.

From new restaurant hot spots to tried-and-true classics that only get better with age, consider...

Come with us on a tour of a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on...

We've got a FIRST LOOK at the menus for some of the dining options on...

Check out all of the NEW food coming to EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival!

You don't want to forget these simple truths for your trip to EPCOT Food and...

We're bringing you 7 insider tips for the 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!

A major commercial airline has announced plans to stop service to four cities. Get the...

Has the Disney Park Pass System changed how you plan a trip to Disney World?...

The MENUS for the 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival have been announced! Check them...

The copyright on Mickey Mouse expires in a few years. What does that mean for...

We're here with the TOP restaurants from Disney Springs! Find out where you'll find the...

There is SO much to do at Disney World -- but did you know about...

Every day, we see guests at Disney World park entrances who did not know they...

Feeling overwhelmed by all of the Disney World dining options? Here are our tips for...

If you're going to drink one drink from each EPCOT pavilion, these are the drinks...

Disney+ subscribers will be able to watch a Disney World show live....from home!

These Cast Members in EPCOT put a huge smile on our faces today!
Leave a Reply