Brie Larson made a dramatic entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2019 with Captain Marvel, the superhero origin story of Carol Danvers. The film grossed over a billion dollars at the box office, exceeding expectations, but the film’s reception was controversial among critics and fans.
The success of Captain Marvel meant a sequel was never far away and in 2023, Larson’s Carol Danvers battles Teyona Parris’ Monica Rambeau and Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan in The Marvels. However, the negative comments troubling Captain Marvel are enough for Larson to question his future in the role.
Marvel recently debuted her first footage at D23, and Larson took the opportunity to find out how the sequel would be a turning point for her character.
A new stage for Captain Marvel
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at D23, Brie Larson revealed that viewers will see “a new side of Carol” in The Marvels. In the sequel her character will “relinquish some control” and admit that she needs “help” and “support”:
“Well, you get to see a new side of Carol where she has to learn to let go of some control and realize that she makes mistakes and needs support, she needs help. This is the beginning of this new phase for him.”
Carol Danvers’ “new phase,” as Larson puts it, should hopefully address some of the criticism her character has received in Captain Marvel.
This added dimension to his character should undermine critics’ claims that his character was not “a particularly distinctive personality” in Captain Marvel.
Several reviews drew comparisons between Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman, with The Wall Street Journal review stating that Larson’s character lacked the “strength, and glint of joy” that Gal Gadot’s character possessed.
Larson said in another recent interview that The Marvels would “dig some more complications” of her character, which suggests that Carol isn’t someone who “makes the right decisions all the time”. Focusing on some of these flaws can hopefully bring the extra element of relativity that was missing in Captain Marvel.
These claims were supported by Larsson’s co-star Iman Vellani, who told reporters at D23 that the actress did “an amazing job” of bringing “a lot of emotional complexity” to her character in The Marvels.
Marvel marks a significant change for Carol Danvers
Despite the criticisms that Captain Marvel has received, it’s clear that Disney still has a great love for Carol Danvers. Larson has also proven that she is a master at dealing with trolls and her role in the sequel will address the negative reactions to her character’s origin story.
Not to mention, the reception to Marvel’s footage shown at D23 has been positive, with many pointing to the distinctive tone change between the two Captain Marvel films. Some rumors also point to a musical element in the film, which would certainly mark a fun departure for Larson’s character.
That being said, it looks like fans and critics have plenty of reasons to tune in to The Marvels, which debuts in theaters on July 28, 2023.
