6 hours ago
'Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake' Makes History with Canon Transgender Character Hunter
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
In a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation, the latest episode of HBO Max’s Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake appeared to confirm that the character Hunter is transgender. In Season 2, Episode 3, which aired on November 6, 2025, viewers watched as Hunter, a gardener and former wizard, was seen shirtless, revealing a small scar on the right side of his chest—a detail widely interpreted as indicative of top surgery, a gender-affirming procedure that reconstructs the chest to better align with a person's gender identity . The moment was subtle but powerful, sparking an outpouring of excitement and gratitude from fans across social media platforms.
The response from fans was immediate and enthusiastic. Social media was flooded with celebratory messages, with posts on X and Instagram expressing joy over the show's apparent decision to make Hunter a canonically transgender character. Many praised the show for its authentic and respectful depiction, noting how much it meant to see a beloved character reflect their own trans experiences . One fan’s post, “HUNTER IS CANONICALLY TRANS!! THOSE ARE TOP SURGERY SCARS!!!” quickly went viral, garnering tens of thousands of likes.
Others emphasized the importance of explicit representation in children’s and family programming, especially for young viewers who may be searching for characters to identify with. “Hunter is trans and it’s shown and he is transgender… this episode has ruined me,” another fan wrote, highlighting the emotional resonance and impact of the episode .
The casting of Vico Ortiz, a non-binary and genderfluid actor known for their role in Our Flag Means Death, as the voice of Hunter has further reinforced the show’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Ortiz responded to the episode with a playful nod on Instagram Stories, sharing fan art of Hunter with top surgery scars and commenting, “I gotta catch up to this week’s episode,” accompanied by a knowing smirk emoji . In subsequent replies to fans, Ortiz confirmed that the character’s scars were indeed intended to represent top surgery, putting to rest any ambiguity and cementing Hunter’s identity as a transgender man .
Showrunner Adam Muto and the creative team have a history of prioritizing diverse storytelling and character development in both Adventure Time and its spin-offs. In interviews, Muto has emphasized the importance of exploring characters whose backgrounds and experiences differ from traditional fantasy archetypes, contributing to a broader and more inclusive representation within the genre .
The confirmation of Hunter as a transgender character is being hailed as a milestone in animated television, reflecting a growing trend toward authentic LGBTQ+ inclusion in mainstream media. By centering a trans character’s experience in a positive, normalized light, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake not only provides meaningful visibility but also challenges persistent stereotypes and barriers within the industry .
Advocates point to the value of such representation, noting that seeing transgender people depicted with nuance and care can have a profound impact on viewers’ sense of self-worth and acceptance. The series joins a short but expanding list of animated programs that have introduced authentic transgender characters, setting a precedent for future creators and networks.
Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake continues to air on HBO Max, with new episodes released weekly. As fans celebrate this historic moment, many hope it will inspire further progress in LGBTQ+ representation across all media platforms .
