She may be fairly new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Brie Larson's Captain Marvel has already established herself as a main-event player. Carol Danvers has popped up in three Marvel Studios projects, both as a leading woman and a supporting player among Earth's Mightiest Heroes. With only two appearances in the MCU's Infinity Saga, Larson's trajectory moving forward is shaping up to be higher, further, and faster.
Larson will star alongside Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani in 2023's The Marvels, a sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel that unites her space-based hero with other enhanced individuals in the Captain Marvel family. Aside from her confirmed appearance in 2023's team-up, Carol Danvers's DNA will be ingrained in upcoming Disney+ shows, Ms. Marvel and Secret Invasion.
While her MCU future beyond The Marvels remains uncertain, Larson has emphasized she is about that superhero life for years to come.
Brie Larson's Captain Marvel Future
Carol Danvers is just getting started.
Even three years later, The Marvels star Brie Larson told Insider that suiting up as Captain Marvel remains the "thrill of a lifetime."
"The novelty is not even close to wearing off. It's the thrill of a lifetime. It's the greatest honor and beyond my wildest expectations that I could help provide this symbol for people."
That "symbol for people" is what keeps the role special to Larson, as she emphasized the "importance" of bringing characters like Captain Marvel to life.
"Three years have just been the beginning for me of getting to see what the importance of having characters like this can do for people. It can bring strength, it can bring confidence, it can bring community, and so we're just getting started and I'm really excited for people to see what's next."
The Marvels has wrapped filming, but Larson remained tight-lipped on specifics surrounding the sequel. While plot points are still hush-hush, Larson did stress how "incredible" The Marvels director Nia DaCosta was on set.
"Our director, Nia DaCosta, is incredible in every way possible. She's such a leader, has such clear vision. I had amazing castmates and there's just a huge sense of camaraderie. I had a really beautiful experience and I really love working with my Marvel family, so it was all good for me."
What's Next for Captain Marvel?
While Larson is not specifically scheduled for any projects beyond 2023's The Marvels, she is being positioned as a Marvel Studios pillar.
Captain Marvel's appearance in Shang-Chi was brief, but the symbolism behind it meant so much more. Standing alongside original Avenger Mark Ruffalo places Larson at the top of the hierarchy of power within the MCU. With cornerstones like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans no longer active, spots at the top are ready for the taking.
Larson's enthusiasm for the character combined with Captain Marvel's sky-high ceiling positions her to be one of those actresses that captains the MCU moving forward. The Avengers roster is in the most flux it's been in since Captain America: Civil War these days, but whenever that inevitable Avengers 5 rolls around, expect Carol Danvers to be at the top of the food chain.
The Marvels hits theaters on February 17, 2023.
MCU Writer, Editor, Podcaster
