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Tag: Portrayal

In an interview, James Gunn, the director of the HBO series ‘Peacemaker’, and Freddie Stroma, the actor who plays Vigilante, discussed their decision not to label the character Vigilante as neurodivergent. They mentioned that while Vigilante exhibits some traits that might be associated with neurodivergence, such as his social awkwardness, literal interpretation of language, and obsessive behavior, they deliberately chose not to explicitly state that he is neurodivergent. The reason behind this decision is to avoid reducing the character to a single label or diagnosis. Instead, they aimed to portray Vigilante as a complex and multifaceted character with his own unique personality, quirks, and flaws. By not explicitly labeling Vigilante as neurodivergent, Gunn and Stroma hoped to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or oversimplifying the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. They also wanted to leave room for interpretation and allow the audience to form their own understanding of the character. Additionally, Gunn emphasized the importance of consulting with experts and being mindful of representation in media. He acknowledged that the show’s portrayal of Vigilante’s character might be perceived as problematic by some viewers, and he encouraged open discussion and feedback. Ultimately, the decision not to label Vigilante as neurodivergent reflects Gunn and Stroma’s efforts to approach the character with nuance and sensitivity, and to prioritize thoughtful representation in the series.