You might not know his name yet, but you're about to - because Zach Barack just became the first openly transgender actor to star in a Marvel movie, landing a supporting role in the new Spider-Man: Far from home.
Having won the role only two weeks before production on the movie began, the 23-year-old said that superhero characters and trans* people often share similar journeys.
Speaking to , Barack said: "I’m not by any means an expert on comics, but I read them growing up, and they were important. There’s something very inherently trans about those stories, especially ones where identity and hidden identity is part of them."
He added: "It’s a lot about balancing being a teenager and having this other part of your life. And that is just so trans."
Barack, who plays one of Peter Parker's classmates in the movie, said he hopes his role is the start of greater representation for LGBTIQ+ actors in blockbuster movies.
"I do want to see myself represented on screen, so I do want to see a trans superhero or a queer superhero," he explained.
"And I want it to be hopefully someone who can draw from their experience in real life, but at the same time, I’m just happy these stories are being told.
"Being in this movie is so beyond incredibly meaningful. I hope that it means something to other people."
Marvel representatives have previously to promise audiences greater diversity and representation in their franchises.
You can watch the trailer for Spider-Man: Far from home below:
