Marvel's 'Hawkeye' and 'Eternals' Recognized for Disability Representation

Many Marvel fans will tell you that the studio is on a roll.

Oscar Isaac as Moon Knight in Marvel Studios’ “Moon Knight”. |©Marvel Studios

From its wildly successful lineup of Disney+ originals, to record-breaking theatrical releases like Spider-Man: No Way Home, andDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the studio is a hit factory at the moment. And while the films are mainly high-action and fun, they can still make a difference!

Marvel’s Eternals and Hawkeye have both been recognized with a Seal of Authentic Representation from the Ruderman Family Foundation, according to the Hollywood Reporter. This organization advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

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To qualify for the seal, a movie or television show must have an actor with disabilities with at least 5 lines of dialogue, and both Makkari (Lauren Ridloff) from Eternals and Echo (Alaqua Cox) from Hawkeye fit the bill. Ridloff and Cox are both deaf, and Cox is also an amputee who uses a prosthetic leg.

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Jay Ruderman from the Ruderman Family Foundation noted that this recognition was a “particularly high-profile and momentous milestone for Marvel and the entire entertainment industry.” Millions of people tune in for the Marvel shows and movies, so this representation has a far reach!

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Sarah Finn, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s casting director, said of Ridloff’s contribution to Eternals, “…she elevated the ensemble with her unique spirit, talents and charisma. It’s been a privilege getting to know her through the process and seeing what a real-life hero she has become to so many,” and of Cox in Hawkeye, “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.”

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While we often celebrate Marvel’s commercial success, moments like these remind us of why these projects matter, and the importance of authentic representation, no matter the size of the production.