Marvel's 'Eternals' introduces its first gay superhero and same-sex couple

Marvel film 'Eternals' is making all the right noises.

Actor HaazSleiman plays Ben in the film, who is the husband of one of the titular superheroes, Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry.

'Eternals' marks the first time that a Marvel Studios film that has showcased a same-sex couple, and the only time any superhero movie has included a LGBTQ character.

Speaking at the premiere earlier this month, Sleiman said, being part of the film was a dream come true, adding that it was lifesaving.

"I wish I had that when I was a kid to see this. My God. I wish! Can you imagine how many lives this is going to save – kids, young queer folk, who are being bullied, committing suicide, and not seeing themselves being represented? And now they get to see this – it is above and beyond", said Sleiman.

In 'Eternals', Phastos is an ageless alien who came to Earth 7,000 years ago to help guide human civilization through his powers of invention, he rediscovers his long lost faith in humanity through finding Ben and starting a family.

Director Chloe Zhao also gives a great deal of credit to Henry Sleiman for bringing that “level of authenticity” to the role and helping to fill out who Phastos is well beyond how he was defined in the script.