The latest episode of Hawkeye introduced us to Alaqua Cox‘s Echo. It’s an incredible feat if you consider it is her first time acting, as she brings an intensity to the role. It was her time to shine as she’s also going to get a spin-off series afterward and she did not disappoint. The actress offered some insight into how it was on set for the first time, but more noticeably how Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld created an environment where she feels welcomed.
In an interview in the latest D23 Magazine, she revealed that her new co-workers went out of their way to talk to her through ASL and ease her into the role. More importantly, it makes her feel welcome on set given her disability. It’s a cute gesture that goes a long way. You can read her full quote here:
It was such an honor to work with them both. I think they are spectacular actors, and I have learned a lot from watching them work behind the scenes… I remember meeting Jeremy on my first day of work on-set; I was a nervous wreck, as this was my very first acting job. He then complimented me in American Sign Language (ASL), which comforted me. Hailee also spelled out her name to me in ASL at the studio where we were doing our stunt training sessions. 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
Alaqua Cox
We have seen Marvel Studios make strides in inclusion with their projects. Eternals and Hawkeye included the first deaf characters where sign language was also prominently featured. The franchise has opened its arms to the diverse world that lives out there and it doesn’t look like they are going to stop it any time soon.
Source: D23 Magazine via The Direct
