This article containsVoltronseason 7 spoilers.
We were introduced to Shiros former significant other, Adam, in a flashback.
Bringing that representation to the show was a long journey that started near the beginning of the series production.
It was something thats been in Shiros character basically from the start, explains executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos.
I think thats where they identify.
We didnt wanna put anyone in a corner where other people feel like they are not represented.
That representation didnt come to the series easily.
While the Shiro/Adam scene took place at the start ofVoltronseason 7 it had originally been planned for season two.
There was a whole episode with Keith and Shiro on the deserted planet with flashbacks, Montgomery says.
Early on we wanted to take a little more time with (the Paladins) back-stories.
Wed have an episode with Hunk and Lance on the mermaid planet.
Much of the material in these flashbacks made it into later episodes, including the season seven premiere.
She had worked on those initial flashbacks with Shiro.
It was important for her to have the credit for the work she had done.
We had two episodes (at the start of season two), remembers Montgomery.
No flashbacks, no back stories.
Its understandable (about the lack of flashbacks) since the series was pretty new, adds Dos Santos.
No one on the cast and crew confirmed or denied it, which frustrated some fans to no end.
We just hope on the back end theyll forgive us.
In it Adam refers to Shiro as his flight partner and best friend.
After all, Shiro and Adam had already broken up in the flashback.
Speaking toEntertainment Weekly, Montgomery focused on how Shiros sexuality wouldnt change his story arc.
When we look at that lineup and we see that Shiro is clearly the moreG.I.
Joe-pop in character, the hyper-masculine soldier guy, hes still very much that guy.
We just love that.
We think thats the coolest thing in the world.
Hes gonna shoot all the guns!
And he still is!
Hes still that guy and hes gay and hes our Shiro.
When asked if that was intentional foreshadowing to Adams death the executive producers flatly deny it.
(It) had nothing to do with him foreshadowing his own death.
We needed to set the stakes up for why the Galra were such a threat to Earth.
Theres an invasion and people have to fight back.
Admiral Sanda, Ulaz, plenty of the Blade of Marmora, and the rebels.
So its not uncommon for characters to give their lives fighting against the Galra.
Even if Adam is dead, Shiro is still there and hes still incredibly positive representation.
Its still a step in the right direction.
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