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)
Taloa (mother)
Henry "Black Crow" Lopez (paternal uncle)
Bonnie (cousin)
Biscuits (cousin)
Chula (maternal grandmother)
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. Maya is a deaf Native American Choctaw and the commander of the Tracksuit Mafia, a criminal gang in New York City working for Wilson Fisk / Kingpin.

Maya Lopez made her debut in the Disney+ series Hawkeye (2021), prior to starring in her own spin-off miniseries Echo (2024).

Concept and creation

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Background and development

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The Marvel Comics character Maya Lopez / Echo was created by writer David Mack and artist Joe Quesada, and made her first appearance in Daredevil vol. 2 #9 (December 1999).[1]

During the development of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series Moon Knight (2022) for Disney+, Marvel Studios was interested in including Maya in one of their projects. Because the character is a love interest of the series' protagonist, Marc Spector / Moon Knight, in the comics, the creator of Moon Knight, Jeremy Slater, and the writers considered using Maya that way in the series as well. However, she did not fit the story they were trying to tell and Marvel Studios eventually decided to use the character in their Hawkeye (2021) miniseries instead. This decision was supported by the Moon Knight creatives.[2]

Casting and appearances

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In June 2020, Marvel Studios began searching for an actress to portray a character named "Malia" for an upcoming Disney+ series.[3][4] The production company was seeking a deaf Native American woman for the role.[5] It was rumored that "Malia" was a codename for Maya Lopez / Echo.[6][7] Alaqua Cox was initially hesitant to audition for the role of Maya, but her friends encouraged her to give it a try.[8] Despite her doubts, she submitted a self-tape to Marvel's casting director Sarah Finn in 2020.[9] She went through a an audition process a few months later.[10] Cox later received a message from a Marvel agent asking her to join a Zoom meeting.[11] Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige appeared during the call and informed her that she had secured the role.[12] Cox's casting was officially announced in December 2020.[13] Additionally, Darnell Besaw portrayed a young Maya in Hawkeye. Besaw is Cox's real-life cousin, resulting in the younger version of Maya resembling Cox. The directors Bert and Bertie were enthralled to have a family connection between the two, with Bertie noting Besaw learned ASL for the role, and had "a wonderful naivety and charm to her that sets up the character in exactly the right way".[14]

Cox was expected to reprise her role in Echo with the reveal of its development in March 2021,[15] which was confirmed with the series' official announcement in November of the same year, during Disney+ Day.[16]

Characterization

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On set, Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld used American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with Cox.[17] 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".[18] Marvel Studios also hired deaf consultants and interpreters, even creating new terms in ASL to refer to characters from the MCU.[19] Following Cox's performance in Hawkeye, Marvel decided to develop a spin-off series centered on Maya Lopez.[20] Cox was informed about the spin-off Echo midway through filming Hawkeye.[21] During the production of Echo, Cox used a vibration device controlled by an interpreter to signal when other actors had completed their lines.[22]

Bert and Bertie described "The version of Maya we've seen has been born of losing her father, and she reacts to things very emotionally and very in the moment". They said that Maya's life "became about revenge for her father's death" and noted how she had "spent her life driven by that moment when she loses him".[23] Cox expressed her pride in the portrayal of Maya in the MCU, noting the strong support from the deaf community. She emphasized the significance of authentic representation, stating that "most of the time it's hearing people that take these roles, but finally authentic representation is here."[24] Echo executive producer Richie Palmer said that Maya's journey in the miniseries involves reconciling with her past and her cultural roots. Initially resistant to these connections, Maya eventually embraces them, which leads to the development of new powers over the course of the series.[25]

Fictional character biography

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Early life

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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 ASL to communicate with her. One day, her mother passed away during a car accident, while Maya lost her right leg during the crash. After being released from hospital, Maya 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. Maya also learned karate at the Brooklyn Karate Academy. Every now and then, she spent her time with her "uncle" Wilson Fisk.

Becoming a criminal

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Maya 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, Maya becomes angry and acts recklessly, until one night, where Wilson Fisk prevents her from being arrested. He asks her to work for him, which Maya accepts. While on a mission for Fisk, Maya encountered and battled the vigilante Daredevil, who run away during their fight. Under Fisk's orders, she becomes a ruthless killer.

Tracksuit Mafia

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Being the commander of the crime syndicate Tracksuit Mafia, Maya 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 Maya's father. After Clint Barton and Bishop were capture in the hideout of the Tracksuit Mafia, Maya acknowledges Bishop cannot be the real Ronin. Barton, Bishop, and Maya battled, and the two vigilantes manage to escape from the Tracksuit Mafia after a car chase. Maya 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, Maya runs away.

Facing Ronin

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During the night, Maya 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

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

Differences from the comics

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In comic books, Maya Lopez is depicted as a member of the Blackfeet Nation from Montana, while in the MCU, she is portrayed as belonging to the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma.[26] Unlike in the comics, she is not one of Clint Barton's love interests but is introduced as an antagonist in Hawkeye, where Barton is also known as Ronin, a codename Maya originally held in the comics.[27] Furthermore, her MCU counterpart diverges from the comics as she faces Kate Bishop, a character with whom she had little interaction in the Marvel Universe.[28]

Maya's abilities also differ between the two versions.[29] In comic books, Maya does not demonstrate supernatural abilities but is a proficient fighter.[30] For instance, she can replicate the fighting abilities of anyone she observes perfectly.[31] In the MCU, her Choctaw heritage is acknowledged as the source of her superpowers.[32] She is notably able to call on the strength of her ancestors, communicate with them, and heal mental scars.[33] Furthermore, Maya's codename, Echo, does not reference her ability to mimic movements; rather, it emphasizes the idea of her ancestors' strengths resonating through her into the present day.[34]

Reception

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Critical response

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The character of Maya Lopez received praise from various critics.[35] Matt Purslow of IGN highlighted that her addition brings complexity to Hawkeye.[36] Kevin Pantoja of Screen Rant found her backstory sympathetic and admired her as a proud deaf woman.[37] Louise Griffin of Radio Times described Maya as "compelling" and deemed her interesting enough to warrant the creation of Echo.[38] Ethan Anderton of SlashFilm also her "compelling" and "unique," noting that her deafness offers a fresh perspective rarely depicted on television, particularly in Echo.[39] Laura Hood of The Conversation said Maya embodies independence and strength and positioned her as a role model for the deaf and disabled community in the miniseries.[40]

For her performance in the MCU, Cox was complimented by multiple critics.[41] Alison Stine of Salon.com described Cox as "stunning" in Hawkeye.[42] Charles Pulliam-Moore of The Verge highlighted her "formidable presence" in the series, noting her more dynamic portrayal of Maya in Echo.[43] Richard Fink of MovieWeb asserted that while Cox made an impression in Hawkeye, she delivers a "great lead performance" in Echo.[44] Ed Power of The Telegraph also commended her as an "excellent lead" in the miniseries.[45] Adam Barnhardt of ComicBook.com stated that Cox seamlessly becomes one with the character, calling her performance "worthy of applause".[46] Cassondra Feltus of Black Girl Nerds noted that Cox delivers a beautifully nuanced performance, portraying Maya as a culturally rich and formidable character.[47]

Impact

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Cox became the first Native American actress to lead a Marvel television series with Echo.[48] Maya Lopez is the second deaf character in the MCU, following Lauren Ridloff's Makkari.[49] Kate Nelson of Teen Vogue underlined Cox's significant impact as an actress, emphasizing her role in bringing Indigenous, deaf, and disability representation to television in an unprecedented way.[50] Jamie Jirak of ComicBook.com noted that Cox quickly rose to fame after her appearance in Hawkeye.[51] George Marston of Newsarama highlighted Maya's breakout popularity following Hawkeye.[52] Alexandra Moroca of Comic Book Resources attributed Maya's appeal to the character's strength and determination.[53]

In other media

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Greene, Jules (December 19, 2023). "The Complete Marvel Comics History of Echo, a.k.a. Maya Lopez". Nerdist. Archived from the original on May 17, 2025. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
  2. ^ Mitovich, Marc Webb (May 1, 2022). "Moon Knight's Original Love Interest Wound Up on a Different Marvel Series". TVLine. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  3. ^ Murphy, Charles (June 18, 2020). "Marvel Studios May Be Casting Their Echo". Murphy's Multiverse. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  4. ^ Gelman, Samuel (June 19, 2020). "BREAKING: RUMOR: Marvel Casting Deaf, Native American Hero for Disney+ Series". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  5. ^ Marnell, Blair (November 22, 2021). "Alaqua Cox Shares the Story of How She Was Cast As Echo In Hawkeye". SuperHeroHype. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  6. ^ Paur, Joey (June 22, 2020). "Marvel Reportedly Looking To Cast The Character Echo For an Upcoming Disney+ Series". GeekTyrant. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  7. ^ Mistroff, Michael (June 19, 2020). "Marvel Studios Could Be Casting Daredevil Character Echo For Disney+". Heroic Hollywood. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  8. ^ 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 February 9, 2024.
  9. ^ Jackson, Leigh-Ann (January 10, 2024). "With 'Echo,' Alaqua Cox Smashes Boundaries, and Bad Guys' Faces". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  10. ^ Dick, Jeremy (January 15, 2024). "Alaqua Cox Shares the Story Behind Her Echo Casting in New TV Interview". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  11. ^ Peris, Sebastian (December 1, 2021). "Alaqua Cox Recalls When She Found Out She Had Been Cast In Hawkeye". Game Rant. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  12. ^ Steiner, Chelsea (November 25, 2021). "Marvel's 'Hawkeye' Introduces Alaqua Cox as Deaf Superhero Echo". The Mary Sue. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  13. ^ Otterson, Joe (December 3, 2020). "'Hawkeye' Series at Disney Plus Adds Six to Cast, Including Vera Farmiga and Tony Dalton (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  14. ^ Lambe, Stacy (December 3, 2021). "'Hawkeye' Directors on Alaqua Cox's Debut as Echo and Filming ASL Scenes (Exclusive)". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  15. ^ Moreau, Jordan (March 22, 2021). "'Hawkeye' Spinoff Series About Echo in Early Development for Disney Plus (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on March 22, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  16. ^ Hipes, Patrick (November 12, 2021). "Disney+ Day: All The Streamer's Film & TV News From Premiere Dates To Series Orders". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  17. ^ Riccobon, Giancarlo (December 13, 2021). "The Untold Truth Of Alaqua Cox". Looper. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  18. ^ Gantt, Kareem (December 2, 2021). "'Hawkeye': Jeremy Renner Learned ASL to Welcome Alaqua Cox to the Cast". Collider. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  19. ^ Darwish, Meaghan (December 7, 2021). "'Hawkeye' Directors Bert & Bertie on Bringing Echo to Life Onscreen With Alaqua Cox". TV Insider. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  20. ^ 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 February 9, 2024.
  21. ^ Couch, Aaron (November 22, 2021). "Next Big Thing: 'Hawkeye' Star Alaqua Cox Prepares for Marvel Stardom". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  22. ^ 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 February 9, 2024.
  23. ^ Hatchett, Keisha (December 6, 2021). "Hawkeye Directors Talk Maya Lopez's 'Superpower,' Trick Arrows and a 'Great' Tracksuit Mafia Story Ahead". TVLine. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  24. ^ Holub, Christian (November 19, 2021). "Alaqua Cox on joining the MCU with her mysterious 'Hawkeye' role". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  25. ^ Lussier, Germain (January 5, 2024). "How Maya's Powers Became One of Echo's Biggest Mysteries". Gizmodo. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  26. ^ Young, Kai (January 11, 2024). "10 Biggest Changes Echo Makes From The Marvel Comics". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  27. ^ Levine, Adam (November 7, 2023). "Marvel's Echo: The Untold Truth Of Maya Lopez". Looper. Archived from the original on September 9, 2025. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
  28. ^ Garcia, Mayra (December 17, 2021). "Hawkeye: 10 Things About Echo That Are Different From The Comics". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on December 3, 2024. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
  29. ^ Conlin, Dan (November 7, 2023). "Marvel's Echo TV Show Will Kick Off A Refreshing Change For The MCU". Game Rant. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  30. ^ Johnston, Dais (January 10, 2024). "'Echo' Changed Maya's Powers For One Great Reason". Inverse. Archived from the original on August 7, 2025. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
  31. ^ Bradley, Ollie (January 13, 2024). "Echo Retcons Maya Lopez's Powers To Be Something Greater Than The Comics". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on March 20, 2025. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
  32. ^ Milici, Lauren (January 10, 2024). "Echo's powers explained: what are they and how are they different from the comics?". Newsarama. Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
  33. ^ Sawan, Amer (January 21, 2024). "What Are Echo's New MCU Powers?". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  34. ^ Schnelbach, Leah (January 16, 2024). "Can Echo Take the Marvel-verse in a New Direction?". Reactor. Archived from the original on December 2, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  35. ^ Perry, Kevin E G (January 10, 2024). "Echo reviews call new Hawkeye spin-off one of Marvel's 'best shows in years'". The Independent. Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  36. ^ Purslow, Matt (December 1, 2021). "Hawkeye Episode 3 Review". IGN. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  37. ^ Pantoja, Kevin (December 23, 2021). "Hawkeye: The Main Characters, Ranked By Likability". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  38. ^ Griffin, Louise (January 10, 2024). "Echo review: Marvel miniseries shouldn't be underestimated". Radio Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  39. ^ Anderton, Ethan (January 9, 2024). "Marvel's Echo Review: An Action-Packed Showcase For Alaqua Cox And The Choctaw Nation". SlashFilm. Archived from the original on September 3, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  40. ^ Buckle, Kevin (January 16, 2024). "Marvel's Echo is a one-of-a-kind superhero – and an inspiration to the Deaf community". The Conversation. Archived from the original on November 8, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  41. ^ Khan, Rabab (December 10, 2021). "Hawkeye Featurette Shows Alaqua Cox's Journey To Becoming Maya Lopez". Game Rant. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  42. ^ Stine, Alison (December 6, 2021). "What "Hawkeye" gets right about deafness – and what it glosses over". Salon.com. Archived from the original on March 25, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  43. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (January 10, 2024). "Echo brings the best of Netflix's Marvel era energy to Disney Plus". The Verge. Archived from the original on September 16, 2025. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  44. ^ Fink, Richard (January 9, 2024). "Echo Review | The MCU Gets a Gritty Crime Drama with a True Anti-Hero". MovieWeb. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  45. ^ Power, Ed (January 10, 2024). "Echo, Disney+: Marvel's creative rut continues with this dour, violent spinoff". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on November 6, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  46. ^ Barnhardt, Adam (January 9, 2024). "Echo Review: One of Marvel's Strongest Disney+ Shows Since WandaVision". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  47. ^ Feltus, Cassondra (January 9, 2024). "Review: Alaqua Cox Delivers Another Beautifully Nuanced and Intense Performance as Maya Lopez in 'Echo'". Black Girl Nerds. Archived from the original on June 11, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  48. ^ 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. Archived from the original on March 21, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  49. ^ Johnson, Zach (July 13, 2022). "Lauren Ridloff and Alaqua Cox on Deaf Representation in the MCU". D23. Archived from the original on April 19, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  50. ^ Nelson, Kate (January 18, 2024). "Indigenous Deaf Amputee Alaqua Cox is Breaking Down Hollywood Barriers". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on August 2, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  51. ^ Jirak, Jamie (December 23, 2021). "Hawkeye Star Alaqua Cox Shares Fun Facts About Herself After Finale". ComicBook.com. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  52. ^ Marston, George (January 8, 2024). "Echo AKA Maya Lopez's Marvel history has a lot to say about her MCU future". Newsarama. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  53. ^ Moroca, Alexandra (January 8, 2022). "Hawkeye: Every Main Character, Ranked By Likability". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  54. ^ Catig, Gary (March 21, 2022). "'Marvel Future Fight' Receives 'Marvel Studios' Hawkeye' Inspired Content". Comicon.com. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  55. ^ Fallon, Sean (January 12, 2024). "Marvel's Echo Gets Its First Funko Pops". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2025. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
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