Marvel's New Campy Witch Character Brings Thrill to Actor Joe Locke from Agatha All Along
In the Marvel-verse, Joe Locke joins the mystical world of Agatha All Along! While the character's name is kept under wraps as "Teen," fans have speculated this could be a huge spoiler. Behind the scenes, Locke exudes confidence about his character, boldly stating what he brings to the table in this WandaVision spin-off.
In an interview with Variety, the Heartstopper star discloses his character's complexities and multi-layered personality. "The show never reduces his identity to just a gay character," he shared. "It's just one facet of his being."
Kathryn Hahn, the wicked yet mesmerizing Agatha Harkness herself, praised Locke's self-awareness. Remembering their early conversations, Hahn recalls, "He corrected me when I referred to him as a 'gorgeous wizard.' He said, 'No, we're all witches.' That stuck with me."
Locke seems thrilled about being part of the Marvel spectacle, calling it a "pinch me" moment, but he's not afraid to face detractors—even fellow LGBTQ+ community members. Some critics have pointed to his character possibly being a "campy gay stereotype," which Locke dismisses. "Don't ask for authentic casting and then want something different," he responds, adding, "I'm bracing myself because there's going to be people who dislike my character."
If Agatha All Along adds musical numbers, like rumors suggest, Locke's theatrical prowess will undoubtedly be a plus; he recently starred in the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, following in the footsteps of Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things.
Joining an impressive cast that includes Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, Patti LuPone, Debra Jo Rupp, Emma Caulfield Ford, and Aubrey Plaza, Agatha All Along was created by Jac Schaeffer, known for her work on Black Widow and WandaVision. Total episodes are nine, with a two-episode premiere set on September 18, available on Disney+.
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- Joe Locke's upcoming role in Agatha All Along, a Marvel-verse spin-off of WandaVision, may challenge stereotypes, as he expressed his character's identity as multifaceted, beyond just being a gay character.
- In his aforementioned interviewed with Variety, the Heartstopper actor also discussed his character's complexities, stating that the show never reduces his identity solely to his sexuality.
- Despite the possibility of backlash from critics, including fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community, Locke appears unafraid, noting that authentic casting should not be followed by expectations for something different.
- If musical numbers are indeed incorporated in Agatha All Along, as rumored, Locke's extensive theatrical experience, demonstrated in his recent role in the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd, will likely prove advantageous.
