Written in Partnership with Amir Bakian
Hulkling and Wiccan are one of Marvel’s most prominent gay couples. They have yet to be introduced into the MCU.
In the realm of storytelling, there are creators who strive to break barriers and unite audiences through powerful narratives. Nathaniel Dolquist, an actor and visionary, is one such artist. His latest endeavor, “Hulkling and Wiccan: Love Is Power”, is a testament to his commitment to storytelling that breaks down boundaries and celebrates love in all its forms.
The genesis of “Hulkling and Wiccan: Love Is Power” dates back to July of 2023, when Nathaniel first conceived the idea. What began as a simple concept blossomed into a fully-fledged production plan by September, and filming began in early November. Despite the tight timeline, Nathaniel ensured that every aspect of the production, from the music to the visual effects, was meticulously crafted. The result is a series that embodies the power of independent storytelling, free from the constraints of big studio approvals and major box office budgets.
The inspiration for “Hulkling and Wiccan: Love Is Power” struck Nathaniel during his time portraying Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan: the Musical in San Diego. Feeling the need for a new project, Nathaniel initially planned a simple photoshoot as Hulkling. However, after discussions with Evan Gambardella, his co-star who plays Wiccan, the project evolved into something much more significant—a fully realized story of Hulkling and Wiccan.
Nathaniel Dolquist (Hulkling) and Evan Gambardella (Wiccan) at the premiere in LA.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Nathaniel’s journey was the opportunity to meet Jim Cheung, the original illustrator of Hulkling and Wiccan, at LA Comic Con. Jim’s support and encouragement , along with that of comic book writer Josh Trujillo, who created the “Possibilities” series, fueled Nathaniel’s passion for the project. Meeting artists whose work meant so much to him gave Nathaniel the confidence to make “Hulkling and Wiccan: Love Is Power” the best it could be.
“Hulkling and Wiccan: Love Is Power” will release on Nathaniel’s YouTube, Instagram and TikTok pages, @nathanieldolquist. The first episode premiered on March 11th, with subsequent episodes airing every Monday and Thursday until the finale on March 28th, just in time for WonderCon in Anaheim the following weekend. Each episode is a bite-sized 1-2 minutes, tailor-made for social media consumption, other than the finale which is over 4 minutes long to end with a bang.
At the core of “Hulkling and Wiccan: Love Is Power” is Nathaniel’s desire to tell a story of love and acceptance. He deeply resonates with Hulkling, seeing in him a reflection of his own experiences—strength, responsibility and willingness to love. Nathaniel believes that showcasing a loving, committed gay relationship on screen is not only important but long overdue. He hopes that by telling this story, he can contribute to a culture that celebrates diversity and acceptance.
Nathaniel’s inspirations are rooted in the desire to effect change through his work. He admires creators like James Cameron, George Lucas, and JJ Abrams, who have shaped cultural landscapes with their visionary storytelling. For Nathaniel, storytelling is about reflecting the human experience in all its highs and lows, and he is committed to creating work that resonates with audiences on a deep and meaningful level.
“Hulkling and Wiccan: Love Is Power” is more than just a show; it’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to bring people together. Fans have been showing a lot of love for the project so far. It’s a testament to Nathaniel Dolquist’s dedication to inclusivity and his belief in the transformative power of love. Through his work, Nathaniel strives to create a more inclusive world, one story at a time.
Nathaniel’s speech at the premiere focused on the importance of collaboration and the need for more LGBTQIA+ representation in mainstream media.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.