Top 10 Asexual Characters in Movies & TV
#10: The Tick “The Tick” (1994-96), “The Tick” (2001), “The Tick” (2016-19)
Every Cameo in Tick, Tick... Boom!
Many iconic superheroes also have equally iconic love interests, like Superman and Lois Lane or Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson. That’s not the case with The Tick, the blue-suited and antennaed crimefighter, who’s starred in three TV series, both live-action and animated. In each iteration, his passion lies not in the bedroom, but in keeping the streets of The City safe. While he does get married in the original comic to Cloris, the relationship ends because of their intimacy problems. With less time worrying about love, he has more time to focus on delivering justice to the likes of Chairface Chippendale and other nemeses.
#9: Adrian Veidt “Watchmen” (2019)
Adrian Veidt, the Watchmen's filthy-rich archenemy, also known as "Ozymandias" is one of the most compelling and complex villains ever crafted. And his sexual orientation adds to that complexity. In the “Watchmen” TV series, Jeremy Irons plays an older Veidt, hiding out in a castle on one of Jupiter’s moons after faking his death. His only company is his clones/servants, who he’s not above killing when the mood strikes. Veidt, despite being physically attractive, doesn’t seem to have any interest in any kind of physical affection. As series creator Damon Lindelof explains, “He's such a good-looking guy, but he doesn't seem to be attracted to people of either gender, or even talk about things in sexual terms.”
#8: Alan Garner “The Hangover” (2009)
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The first “Hangover” movie was a comedy smash hit right out of the gate, and a huge portion of that success can be attributed to Zach Galifianakis’ unbelievably funny performance as the bearded and unpredictable Alan Garner, A complete manchild who nonetheless has his moments of something-bordering-on-genius, Alan goes against the grain in many ways. So, it made sense when, at the premiere of “The Hangover Part II,” director Todd Phillips referred to Alan as “asexual.” He did get married to Melissa McCarthy's Cassie in the third film, but remember: asexual doesn't mean incapable of understanding love, and various identities can exist within the ace spectrum.
#7: Owen Burnett “Gargoyles” (1994-97)
The human persona of trickster and child of Oberon known as Puck, Owen Burnett is a handsome man with some distinct traits, namely his left hand, which is actually a fist turned to stone. When a fan asked “Gargoyles” creator Greg Weisman about Owen’s orientation, Weisman replied that Owen was asexual. He also shared that Puck was bisexual. While Weisman doesn’t elaborate on these labels, we trust a creator to understand his characters better than anyone. He also accepted the fan’s head canon, which saw Owen as being gay. If you haven’t watched “Gargoyles” since you were a kid, studying Owen and Puck from this angle is the perfect excuse to revisit it.
#6: Misty Day “American Horror Story” (2011-)
It can be hard for anyone who’s asexual to feel understood, but Misty Day’s circumstances are especially difficult. A witch with the ability to bring things back to life, Misty, played by Lily Rabe, is so feared among her own Pentacostal community that they burn her at the stake. She brings herself back to life and spends her days exploring New Orleans swamps and finding comfort in the music of Stevie Nicks. While Misty's orientation wasn't discussed on the show, series creator Ryan Murphy said he thought Misty as "just an asexual character." But with her multifaceted personality and Rabe’s sensitive performance, Misty shows just how diverse and dynamic asexual people can be. It’s not many people who can bring alligators back to life.
#5: Raphael Santiago “Shadowhunters” (2016-19)
There have been some truly memorable characters who happen to be both asexual and supernatural. Case in point, Raphael Santiago, a vampire who previously ran the Brooklyn vampire clan. In the second season, Raphael, played by David Castro, forges a relationship with Shadowhunter Isabelle.Lightwood. However, he later discloses his asexual identity to her, which even goes back to his pre-vampiric state. “Shadowhunters” is based on “The Mortal Instruments” book series. In 2014, author Cassandra Clare tweeted that his asexuality was canon. Though not the most outwardly affectionate person, Raphael still knows how to show he truly cares about someone.
#4: Varys “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
“Game of Thrones” was notorious for, among other things, its sex scenes. So, it’s quite remarkable that one of its fascinating characters was asexual. Ex-slave and eunuch Lord Varys, also known as “The Spider,” serves as King’s Landing’s Master of Whisperers. His devotion lies not in any one person, but in upholding the realm. Speaking on his lack of sexual attraction, which came before his eunuch status, Varys mourns the effects of infatuation on his surroundings, and his relief at not having to deal with it. Despite his incredibly calm manner, Varys is actually one of the most cutthroat people in Westeros, able to use his words to get his way with stunning results. Good thing he’s not playing the Game of Love.
#3: Sherlock Holmes “Sherlock” (2010-17)
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Sherlock Holmes has been portrayed in film and television more than 250 times, a record for a fictional character. So, there are a lot of interpretations of the famous detective, who's been portrayed by actors as distinguished as Christopher Lee, Christopher Plummer, and Robert Downey Jr. In the BBC series "Sherlock," Holmes, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is understood to be asexual. However, this seems to be a self-discipline decision, instead of a lack of attraction. According to Cumberbatch, Holmes needs to avoid fanning the flames of desire so he can focus on solving crimes. In the character’s own words, he’s “married to [his] work.” This kind of deep characterization makes Cumberbatch’s version one of the most interesting Sherlock Holmes of all-time.
#2: Todd Chavez “BoJack Horseman” (2014-20)
When “Bojack Horseman” first started, it seemed like Todd, voiced by Aaron Paul, might not have much character beyond being Bojack’s slacker housemate. However, as the series progressed, Todd’s personality grew, as did our fondness for him. In the third season finale, Todd starts to realize he might be asexual and comes to accept his true nature in the following season. The show makes Todd’s asexuality a key part of his identity, but not the only part. He also starts relationships with other asexuals like axolotl Yolanda Buenaventura and rabbit Maude. And of course, he always finds time for crazy escapades like starting a clown dentist business.
#1: SpongeBob SquarePants “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
As optimistic and cheerful as he is square and yellow, Spongebob Squarepants has been entertaining millions of viewers for more than 20 years. But Bikini Bottom’s most-famous resident has also had his sexuality somewhat scrutinized, with some speculating the absorbent fry cook is gay. Series creator, the late Stephen Hillenburg, defined Spongebob as being "somewhat asexual." This would be in line with actual sea sponges, which reproduce asexually. Of course, Spongebob is shown to have a mother and a father. But we’re not going to nitpick the logic of a show that frequently shows fires happening underwater or one with a main character that’s provided as much joy as Spongebob has.
