While scouring the internet this week, I came across one of the latest trailers for Captain Marvel, the MCU’s first venture into a female superhero saga.
Though aware of its release and previous trailers, one thing in particular stood out. Packed with action, comedy and strong messages, the thing I noticed was Nick Fury’s line, in which he says, “She might just be the beginning”.
Now, this can, of course, be interpreted in several ways. The film is set in the 1990s – well before the likes of Iron-Man, Thor or the Hulk are “discovered” – so he could be referring to the beginning of superheroes in general. I, however, have decided to interpret it as the beginning of a new reign of bad-ass female superheroes, who will dominate the screen in the coming years. After all, Marvel have so many incredible characters to pick from like Spectrum, Spider-Woman and Black Cat.
Already, we have Black Widow, Scarlett Witch, The Wasp, Gamora, Mantis, Nebula, Shuri, Okoye, Valkyrie, and Captain Marvel. Combine these pre-existing ladies, with new potentials, and you’ve got a team stronger than the Avengers themselves.
Representation of female superheroes is so important, especially now, when male heroes dominate pop culture and women continue to fight for equality. It is no coincidence that Captain Marvel is being released on International Women’s Day, a day of celebrating the strength, intellect and passion of women around the world.
A new era of representation would be a welcomed breath of fresh air, both from Marvel and Hollywood in general. Though male stars still dominate the screen, there has been a steady increase in female lead or co-lead numbers. To have an entire film of female superheroes – Avengers style – would be, for want of a better word, epic. For now, we still have a lot to be excited about. Not only is Captain Marvel hitting screens this week, but Dark Phoenix will be arriving soon, as well as Wonder Woman 1984 and anticipation is growing for DC’s Birds of Prey, starring everyone’s favourite lunatic: Harley Quinn.
Yeah, it has taken a while, but representation is growing and now we just have more to look forward to.
Who is your favourite female superhero? Let us know below.