Draft:Maya Lopez (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

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Maya Lopez
Marvel Cinematic Universe character
First appearance
Based on
Adapted byElisa Climent
Portrayed byAlaqua Cox
In-universe information
AliasEcho
SpeciesHuman
OccupationGangster
AffiliationTracksuit Mafia
FamilyWilliam Lopez (father)
NationalityNative American

Maya Lopez (also known as Echo) is a character portrayed by Alaqua Cox in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise—based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Lopez is depicted as a deaf Native American martial artist who can perfectly copy another person's movements. She is the commander of the Tracksuit Mafia.[1]

Maya Lopez made her debut in the television series Hawkeye (2021), and starring in her own spin-off miniseries Echo (2024).

Concept and creation

Maya Lopez debuted in Daredevil #9 (December 1999), created by writer David Mack and artist Joe Quesada.[2] She is a deaf Native American who possesses has the ability to copy the movements of others she observes.[3]

Adaptation

In June 2020, Marvel Studios was looking for an actress to portray a character named "Malia" in a future Disney+ television series.[4][5] The production company wanted a deaf Native American woman for the role.[6] It was rumored "Malia" was secretly referring to the character of Maya Lopez.[7][8]

In December 2020, it was announced the character of Maya Lopez would appear in the miniseries Hawkeye, portrayed by Alaqua Cox.[9][10] On the set of the show, actors Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfield used American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with Cox.[11] The actress commented, "I thought it was sweet of them putting in efforts to learn basic ASL to communicate with me. It means a lot to me as a Deaf person."[12] Marvel Studios also hired deaf consultants and interpreters, who invented new terms in ASL to refer to characters from the MCU.[13]

The production company later decided to create a spin-off series centered on Maya Lopez after being impressed by the performance of Alaqua Cox in Hawkeye.[14] The actress was not informed about the project until midway through Hawkeye's shoot.[15] She had to wear a vibration device controlled by an interpreter on the set of Echo to know when other actors were done saying their lines.[16]

Casting

Alaqua Cox was encouraged by several of her friends to audition for the role of Maya Lopez despite being skeptical at first.[17] She believed she would not be chosen to portray Maya Lopez but sent a self tape nonetheless to MCU's main casting director Sarah Finn in 2020.[18] She went through a an audition process a few months later.[19] Cox received a text from a Marvel agent several months later who asked her to log onto Zoom for a meeting.[20] Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige appeared during the call and told Cox she earned the part.[21]

Characterization

Actress Alaqua Cox discussed the depiction of Maya Lopez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), stating, "The deaf community is in huge support of this role because they want to see deaf people represented in these deaf roles. Most of the time it's hearing people that take these roles, but finally authentic representation is here."[22] Richie Palmer, one of the executive producers of Echo, said, "Maya Lopez is the character that resisted this connection to her past and her ancestors. And the second she goes to her hometown, she starts feeling all these things that she hasn’t felt since she was a kid. And at first, I believe she’s resistant to it, but she lets it in over the course of the show. And from there, some real powers develop."[23]

Appearances

Alaqua Cox portrays Maya Lopez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series Hawkeye (2021) and Echo (2024).

Fictional character biography

Early life

Maya Lopez grew up in the town of Tamaha in the state of Oklahoma. She is the daughter of a deaf mother and the commander of the Tracksuit Mafia William Lopez. Her family used American Sign Language to communicate with her. One day, her mother passed away during a car accident, while Maya Lopez lost her right leg during the crash. After being released from hospital, Lopez and her father left Tamaha and lived in New York City. By reading the lips of her teacher, she managed to study at a regular school. Her father could not allow her to attend a school for deaf people. Lopez also learned karate at the Brooklyn Karate Academy. Every now and then, she spent her time with her "uncle" Wilson Fisk.

Becoming a criminal

Lopez continues to train and becomes a proficient martial artist through time. One night, she witnesses Ronin murdering her father. She tries to save him, however, her father dies in her arms. Grieving, Lopez becomes angry and acts recklessly, until one night, where Wilson Fisk prevents her from being arrested. He asks her to work for him, which Lopez accepts. While on a mission for Fisk, Lopez encountered and battled Daredevil, who run away during their fight. Under Fisk's orders, she becomes a ruthless killer.

Tracksuit Mafia

Being the commander of the crime syndicate Tracksuit Mafia, Lopez starts looking for the man who murdered her father. Her gang members mistake Kate Bishop, who is wearing the costume of Ronin, for the murdered of Lopez's father. After Clint Barton and Bishop were capture in the hideout of the Tracksuit Mafia, Lopez acknowledges Bishop cannot be the real Ronin. Barton, Bishop, and Lopez battled, and the two vigilantes manage to escape from the Tracksuit Mafia after a car chase. Lopez fights the duo once again on a rooftop of a building near her apartment, but is electrocuted by Yelena Belova, who attack them. After being hurt during the battle, Lopez runs away.

Facing Ronin

During the night, Lopez received a text message from Ronin, asking her to come alone to the place where her father passed away. Ronin reveals himself, with Barton explaining he was hired by an informant of Fisk kill her father. She tries to kill Barton but is caught off guard by Bishop, and decides to flee with her motorcycle.

Confronting Fisk

After her encounter with Barton and Bishop, Lopez understands the informant is her childhood friend and fellow gang member Kazi Kazimierczak who betrayed her. During their face-off, Kazimierczak tries to kill Lopez with an arrow, but she manages to defeat him. She notices Barton observed the scene, who apologizes to her, with Lopez nodding at him. She later confronts Fisk and shoots him. Lopez is convinced Fisk is dead and leave, as those working from him start hunting Lopez.

Differences from the comics

In comic books, Maya Lopez is depicted as part of Blackfeet Nation, an indigenous tribe from Montana, but belongs to the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).[24] She is not portrayed as one of Clint Barton's lovers but is introduced as an antagonist in Hawkeye, with Barton also being known as Ronin, despite Lopez taking the codename before him in the comics.[25] The character does not face Kate Bishop either as she does in the miniseries, as the two characters barely interact in the Marvel Universe.[26] Her skills are different from her comic book counterpart.[27] Lopez does not demonstrate supernatural abilities but is a proficient fighter.[28] For instance, she can replicate the fighting abilities of anyone she observes perfectly.[29] The character remains a skilled martial artist and knows how to use weapons, but she also acknowledges that her Choctaw heritage grants her superpowers.[30] She is notably able to call on the strength of her ancestors, can communicate with them, and has the ability to heal mental scars.[31]

Reception

The character of Maya Lopez was praised by various critics. Matt Purslow of IGN stated the character adds complexity to Hawkeye.[32] Kevin Pantoja of Screen Rant said Lopez's backstory made her sympathetic and found the character admirable for being a proud deaf woman.[33] Louise Griffin of Radio Times found Lopez "compelling" enough to justify the creation of Echo, calling her an "interesting" character to focus on.[34] Ethan Anderton of SlashFilm characterized Lopez as "compelling" and "unique," stating her deafness provides a new character perspective not often seen on television across Echo.[35]

For her performance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Alaqua Cox was complimented by multiple critics.[36] Alison Stine of Salon.com described Cox as "stunning" in Hawkeye.[37] Charles Pulliam-Moore of The verge said Cox delivers a "formidable presence" in the show, while stating she brings a more dynamic performance to develop Maya Lopez in Echo.[38] Richard Fink of MovieWeb asserted Cox left an impression in Hawkeye but provides a "great lead performance" in Echo.[39] Adam Barnhardt of ComicBook.com said Cox succeeds to become one with Lopez and is "worthy of applause."[40] Ed Power of The Telegraph found Cox to be an "excellent lead" in the show.[41]

Impact

Alaqua Cox is the first Native American to lead a Marvel television series with the release of Echo.[42] Maya Lopez is the second deaf character introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Lauren Ridloff's Makkari.[43]

Jamie Jirak of ComicBook.com asserted Cox rose to fame quickly after her appearance in Hawkeye.[44] George Marston of Newsarama stated Maya Lopez gained a breakout popularity after her appearance in Hawkeye.[45] Alexandra Moroca of Comic Book Resources said the strength and determination of Lopez made her a popular character.[46]

In other media

See also

References

  1. ^ Mendez II, Moises (January 9, 2024). "What to Know Before Watching Marvel's 'Echo'". Time. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  2. ^ Greene, Jules (December 19, 2023). "The Complete Marvel Comics History of Echo, a.k.a. Maya Lopez". Nerdist. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  3. ^ Greene, Jules (January 10, 2024). "Maya Lopez's Powers in ECHO, Explained". Nerdist. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  4. ^ Murphy, Charles (June 18, 2020). "Marvel Studios May Be Casting Their Echo". Murphy's Multiverse. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  5. ^ Gelman, Samuel (June 19, 2020). "BREAKING: RUMOR: Marvel Casting Deaf, Native American Hero for Disney+ Series". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  6. ^ Marnell, Blair (November 22, 2021). "Alaqua Cox Shares the Story of How She Was Cast As Echo In Hawkeye". SuperHeroHype. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  7. ^ Paur, Joey (June 22, 2020). "Marvel Reportedly Looking To Cast The Character Echo For an Upcoming Disney+ Series". GeekTyrant. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  8. ^ Mistroff, Michael (June 19, 2020). "Marvel Studios Could Be Casting Daredevil Character Echo For Disney+". Heroic Hollywood. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  9. ^ Hood, Cooper (December 4, 2020). "Hawkeye Show Will Introduce Daredevil Character Echo To The MCU". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  10. ^ Adams, Tim (December 3, 2020). "Disney+'s Hawkeye Casts a Marvel Villain and Two New Avengers". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  11. ^ Riccobon, Giancarlo (December 13, 2021). "The Untold Truth Of Alaqua Cox". Looper. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  12. ^ Gantt, Kareem (December 2, 2021). "'Hawkeye': Jeremy Renner Learned ASL to Welcome Alaqua Cox to the Cast". Collider. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  13. ^ Darwish, Meaghan (December 7, 2021). "'Hawkeye' Directors Bert & Bertie on Bringing Echo to Life Onscreen With Alaqua Cox". TV Insider. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  14. ^ Shaunette, Morgan (November 25, 2021). "Hawkeye's Alaqua Cox Describes Landing Her First-Ever Acting Role as the MCU's Echo". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  15. ^ Couch, Aaron (November 22, 2021). "Next Big Thing: 'Hawkeye' Star Alaqua Cox Prepares for Marvel Stardom". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  16. ^ Davids, Brian (January 19, 2024). "'Echo' Star Alaqua Cox on That Final Kingpin Face-Off and Maya's Surprising Next Step". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  17. ^ Vary, Adam B. (January 10, 2024). "'Echo' Star Alaqua Cox on Marvel Bringing Deaf and Indigenous Representation to the Forefront and Why Acting in ASL Was 'Challenging'". Variety. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  18. ^ Jackson, Leigh-Ann (January 10, 2024). "With 'Echo,' Alaqua Cox Smashes Boundaries, and Bad Guys' Faces". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  19. ^ Dick, Jeremy (January 15, 2024). "Alaqua Cox Shares the Story Behind Her Echo Casting in New TV Interview". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  20. ^ Peris, Sebastian (December 1, 2021). "Alaqua Cox Recalls When She Found Out She Had Been Cast In Hawkeye". Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  21. ^ Steiner, Chelsea (November 25, 2021). "Marvel's 'Hawkeye' Introduces Alaqua Cox as Deaf Superhero Echo". The Mary Sue. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  22. ^ Holub, Christian (November 19, 2021). "Alaqua Cox on joining the MCU with her mysterious 'Hawkeye' role". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  23. ^ Lussier, Germain (January 5, 2024). "How Maya's Powers Became One of Echo's Biggest Mysteries". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  24. ^ Young, Kai (January 11, 2024). "10 Biggest Changes Echo Makes From The Marvel Comics". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  25. ^ Levine, Adam (November 7, 2023). "Marvel's Echo: The Untold Truth Of Maya Lopez". Looper. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  26. ^ Garcia, Mayra (December 17, 2021). "Hawkeye: 10 Things About Echo That Are Different From The Comics". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  27. ^ Conlin, Dan (November 7, 2023). "Marvel's Echo TV Show Will Kick Off A Refreshing Change For The MCU". Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  28. ^ Johnston, Dais (January 10, 2024). "'Echo' Changed Maya's Powers For One Great Reason". Inverse. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  29. ^ Bradley, Ollie (January 13, 2024). "Echo Retcons Maya Lopez's Powers To Be Something Greater Than The Comics". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  30. ^ Milici, Lauren (January 10, 2024). "Echo's powers explained: what are they and how are they different from the comics?". Newsarama. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  31. ^ Sawan, Amer (January 21, 2024). "What Are Echo's New MCU Powers?". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  32. ^ Purslow, Matt (December 1, 2021). "Hawkeye Episode 3 Review". IGN. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  33. ^ Pantoja, Kevin (December 23, 2021). "Hawkeye: The Main Characters, Ranked By Likability". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  34. ^ Griffin, Louise (January 10, 2024). "Echo review: Marvel miniseries shouldn't be underestimated". Radio Times. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  35. ^ Anderton, Ethan (January 9, 2024). "Marvel's Echo Review: An Action-Packed Showcase For Alaqua Cox And The Choctaw Nation". SlashFilm. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  36. ^ Khan, Rabab (December 10, 2021). "Hawkeye Featurette Shows Alaqua Cox's Journey To Becoming Maya Lopez". Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  37. ^ Stine, Alison (December 6, 2021). "What "Hawkeye" gets right about deafness – and what it glosses over". Salon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  38. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (January 10, 2024). "Echo brings the best of Netflix's Marvel era energy to Disney Plus". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  39. ^ Fink, Richard (January 9, 2024). "Echo Review | The MCU Gets a Gritty Crime Drama with a True Anti-Hero". MovieWeb. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  40. ^ Barnhardt, Adam (January 9, 2024). "Echo Review: One of Marvel's Strongest Disney+ Shows Since WandaVision". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  41. ^ Power, Ed (January 10, 2024). "Echo, Disney+: Marvel's creative rut continues with this dour, violent spinoff". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  42. ^ Mangalindan, JP (January 10, 2024). "Alaqua Cox Was Bullied for Being Deaf and an Amputee, Now the Marvel Star Is 'Proud' to Prove She 'Can Do Anything' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  43. ^ Johnson, Zach (July 13, 2022). "Lauren Ridloff and Alaqua Cox on Deaf Representation in the MCU". D23. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  44. ^ Jirak, Jamie (December 23, 2021). "Hawkeye Star Alaqua Cox Shares Fun Facts About Herself After Finale". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  45. ^ Marston, George (January 8, 2024). "Echo AKA Maya Lopez's Marvel history has a lot to say about her MCU future". Newsarama. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  46. ^ Moroca, Alexandra (January 8, 2022). "Hawkeye: Every Main Character, Ranked By Likability". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  47. ^ Catig, Gary (March 21, 2022). "'Marvel Future Fight' Receives 'Marvel Studios' Hawkeye' Inspired Content". Comicon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  48. ^ Fallon, Sean (January 12, 2024). "Marvel's Echo Gets Its First Funko Pops". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-02-08.

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