Ruaridh Mollica Discusses Playing a Bisexual Character in ‘VisionQuest’
Marvel has dedicated years to broadening its character roster in the MCU, and ‘VisionQuest’ introduces another significant voice. The Disney+ series, which premiered on October 14, completes the trilogy that began with ‘WandaVision’, featuring a bisexual character portrayed by an actor who identifies as bisexual.
Scottish actor Ruaridh Mollica takes on the role of Tommy Maximoff, also known as Thomas Shepherd. He represents the older version of the son that Wanda and Vision welcomed in ‘WandaVision’, a character previously played by Jett Klyne. For Mollica, who celebrated his 27th birthday on the series’ premiere day, this role marks his most significant and personal performance to date.
Tommy’s return was hinted at in ‘Agatha All Along’, where his twin brother Billy, played by Joe Locke, found his lost soul and placed it in the body of Thomas Shepherd, a teenager who had drowned. Mollica’s casting was confirmed at New York Comic Con in October 2025.
In a recent interview, Mollica praised Marvel for casting a bisexual actor for the role, expressing that it is an honor to represent this identity in the MCU. He shared with Variety that he feels truly seen.
Mollica also highlighted the dynamic with his on-screen brother. Locke, who is gay, plays Billy, and Mollica expressed his excitement about having queer twin brothers in the MCU, calling it a cool development. This is a significant moment for a franchise that has faced criticism for its cautious approach to LGBTQ+ representation.
Identifying as bisexual, Mollica has mentioned to The Skinny that he prefers the term queer. He began exploring queer culture while coming out in London, and he credits his work with helping him understand his own identity.
Tommy is introduced midway through the first episode as a teenage hustler, pickpocket, and conman navigating the streets of London. Mollica describes him as a grifter, drawing inspiration from Matt Damon’s performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’. Tommy is an 18-year-old orphan just out of the foster care system, working alongside Lauren Morais’ character, Lisa Molinari, his partner in crime.
Mollica shared that Tommy flirting with Lisa makes him feel more recognized as a bisexual actor, emphasizing that this is the essence of bisexuality. He hopes that his portrayal resonates with those seeking representation.
When asked by SFX magazine if Tommy’s bisexuality would be explicitly addressed in the series, Mollica expressed uncertainty. However, he hopes that, as a bisexual actor, this aspect of his character’s personality will shine through and be explored in future episodes.
The first trailer for #VisionQuest, premiering October 14 on Disney+. https://t.co/jIcsJ2Iarl
— Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 (@RottenTomatoes) August 15, 2026
Mollica’s journey to this role was unique. Before submitting his first self-tape for ‘VisionQuest’, he was largely unaware of the show, including its title. Prior to that, he had appeared in HBO’s ‘The Franchise’, a satire of superhero franchise filmmaking, where he played a beleaguered production assistant.
He kept the casting news under wraps while performing on stage. In September 2025, Mollica made his West End debut in ‘Clarkston’ alongside Locke, and the duo hinted at their Marvel roles at the stage door by wearing ‘VisionQuest’ and ‘Agatha All Along’ hats. He told Variety that it was a little secret they shared.
Before joining Marvel, he featured in the 2024 film ‘Sebastian’, the TV series ‘Ridley’, and ‘The Franchise’, and he portrayed the teenage version of a character in ‘Stonemouth’. ‘VisionQuest’ stands as his most mainstream project to date.
‘VisionQuest’ follows Vision, played by Paul Bettany, who is in hiding and attempting to resist Ultron’s influence, with James Spader reprising his role as the villain. Terry Matalas serves as the showrunner. The series also brings the Maximoff family story back into focus, with Mollica carrying a significant emotional legacy as the surviving twin connected to ‘WandaVision’.
For many viewers, the combination of a well-known superhero family and an openly bisexual actor in the role is significant. Mollica hopes this representation resonates with audiences, and this sentiment appears to be striking a chord with fans seeking more authentic narratives in the MCU.
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