In recent weeks, fans have become increasingly more agitated when it comes to getting a first look at Captain Marvel, especially as Marvel Studios skipped Comic-Con and didn't even release so much as a single piece of concept art! Thankfully, the hero (played by Brie Larson) graced the cover of Entertainment Weekly this week and with that came a huge wave of new photos and story details.
Now, we've combed through the latest issue to find every single piece of intel you guys need to know about the next entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and that includes details on Carol Danvers, her allies, and enemies. While it sounds like Marvel Studios is sticking to the source material here, it definitely appears as if they're also adding a lot of new elements to this highly anticipated release.
So, to take a look at this Captain Marvel breakdown, simply click on the "View List" button below.
What Kind Of Character Is Carol Danvers?
Apparently, the movie's titular hero is aggressive and brash, impulsive and hotheaded. She's also the first to rush into battle and doesn't like to wait for orders. She also tells bad jokes (which will no doubt be a source of entertainment here). In other words, while she may have the powers of a God, Captain Marvel is a flawed human being and it sounds like she's trying to balance that with her Kree side...
Captain Marvel Might Be Getting A New Origin Story
Entertainment Weekly describes the character as "a part-Kree, part-human warrior" and both that and other details revealed by the magazine point to the character having a slightly different origin story. While it sounds like her DNA will indeed have been altered, it also appears as if there will be more to her than meets the eye either relating to her parentage or some other sort of connection to the Kree.
We're Not Getting A Typical Origin Story, Though
Marvel Studios still makes origin stories but in recent years, they've shaken up how they're handled (just look at the way Black Panther and Spider-Man were introduced). The same will happen in Captain Marvel as it's been confirmed that Carol will already have her powers when we meet here and will have already left Earth behind to join the elite team known as Starforce on the Kree homeworld.
Starforce
That team consists of Carol Danvers, Korath (before he received those cybernetic enhancements and became a villain), Minn-Erva, and two characters it's believed could be Captain Atlas and Ultimus. Jude Law's unnamed character will be their leader and it appears as if Ronan the Accuser will also be part of the group. What isn't clear right now is whether he actually reports to Law's leader or vice versa.
Meet Talos
We've known for a while now that the Skrulls will be the main villains in Captain Marvel and that Ben Mendelsohn will serve as their leader. What we haven't been sure of is who he's playing but the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story star has now been confirmed as Talos. In the comics, he's unable to shapeshift but his big screen counterpart won't have that issue. We'll get to how we know that a little later.
Captain Marvel Is The MCU's Most Powerful Superhero
Kevin Feige has been quoted as saying that Carol Danvers is the most powerful character in the MCU (meaning she's stronger than both Thor and The Hulk) but that's reiterated by Entertainment Weekly in their latest issue on a number of occasions. It's clear now that Captain Marvel will play a key role in helping to turn the tide against Thanos but is there a risk Marvel Studios will make her too powerful?
Mar-Vell (?) Sees Captain Marvel's Potential
Marvel Studios has decided against revealing the identity of Jude Law's character but fans are already wondering if he might have villainous motivations. "These extraordinary powers she has, he sees them as something of a blessing and something that she has to learn how to control," the actor explains. Apparently, he views Carol as a mentee and pet project but is he secretly manipulating her?
"Photon"
Captain Marvel is set to introduce Lashana Lynch as Maria Rambeau, a character described as one of Carol's oldest friends. The pilot's call sign will be "Photon," a nod to the name her daughter adopts in the comic books when she becomes a superhero. This movie will lay the groundwork for her to appear too as it's been confirmed that Maria is a single mother to Monica in the comic book adaptation.
Why Carol Danvers Returns To Earth
We've seen set photos of Brie Larson decked out in her green Starforce outfit talking to Nick Fury so we know she returns to Earth at some point and it's said that there's a very good reason for that. Apparently, the hero will come home in order to learn more about her past and where her powers came from so that implies there's some mystery surrounding her origin story when we first meet her.
The Director Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
In the present day, S.H.I.E.L.D. is gone (well, on the big screen at least) but with Captain Marvel taking place in the 1990s, we'll get to see the spy organisation in its prime. Apparently, Talos will be going undercover as a human working within shield but what we don't know is whether he creates a new identity or steals someone else's. Is it possible that the villain takes the place of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Director?
Ronan The Accuser
When we met Ronan the Accuser in Guardians of the Galaxy, he had become an outcast due to his extremist views and desire to destroy Xandar. While it isn't clear whether or not his villainous transformation will be addressed in Captain Marvel, he’s still a high-ranking member of Kree society in this movie. Presumably, that means we'll see him report to Hala's ruler, the Supreme Intelligence.
Nick Fury, S.H.I.E.L.D. Desk Jockey
Samuel L. Jackson will have both eyes in Captain Marvel but won't be anywhere near the status of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director. Instead, he's described as a "lowly desk jockey." That probably means he'll make a name for himself by helping Carol Danvers stop the Skrull invasion of Earth and what will be interesting is seeing what sort of role the young Agent Coulson plays alongside his future boss and close friend.
Brie Larson And Lashana Lynch Worked With Real Pilots
Even though Captain Marvel kicks off with Carol Danvers in outer space, it appears as if her origin story will still be explored through the use of flashbacks because both Brie Larson and Lashana Lynch spent time with real pilots to prepare for stepping inside a cockpit in the movie. It's hard to imagine Carol doing that on Earth unless she's depowered so expect to see the story behind how she got her powers.
The Movie Is Funny But It's Not A Comedy
Marvel Studios has a habit of making its movies a little too comedic and while that sometimes works, not all fans appreciate it. However, Brie Larson was quick to point out that this movie finds a good balance. "Like, when it’s funny, it is funny, but also when there’s deep emotional things happening, it’s real. I was able to bring some of those same things that I’ve brought to full dramatic roles."
How Brie Larson Prepared To Play Captain Marvel
Like Gal Gadot before her, Brie Larson has come under some fire from "fans" for being cast as a superhero but she put an awful lot of work into playing the character, just FYI. Training began nine months before cameras started rolling and it involved her learning judo, boxing, and - get this - even wrestling. "I didn’t know that I had a little Keanu Reeves in me!" the actress exclaims. "Who knew?"
Jude Law Might Not Be Playing Who We Thought
While it's been widely assumed that Jude Law will take on the role of Mar-Vell in this movie, Marvel Studios has decided against revealing his character's name and there's already speculation that he could be playing someone unexpected. Law says he's "driven by a belief in the divine leadership of the Kree people. So he’s almost a devout warrior — unquestioning, conservative, but inspirational."
The Kree/Skrull War
While you might think that the Kree/Skrull War would be best saved for a future Avengers movie, it sounds like that conflict will already be in full swing in Captain Marvel. According to the magazine, the Kree are an advanced alien race that value community over individuality and they will indeed be in the midst of a war with the shape-shifting Skrulls for reasons which have yet to be divulged by Marvel.
Romance Between Mar-Vell And Carol Danvers?
We know that Mar-Vell (we'll just call him that for now) has a "special" relationship with Carol Danvers and Brie Larson describes there being "a lot and back and forth that comes with the two of them" which makes the rest of the team jealous. Could that be because there are romantic undertones? We don't know of any other love interest for Captain Marvel so it seems somewhat feasible right now.
Minn-Erva Is Starforce's Sniper
Minn-Erva has a very complicated history in the comic books but she ultimately takes a villainous turn and becomes one of Carol's greatest foes. In those, she's a doctor looking to create powerful soldiers but Entertainment Weekly says this version will be Starforce's expert sniper and that's bound to mean she'll get her fair share of action scenes. The question is, will Captain Marvel end up in her sights?
Captain Marvel Opens The Door To More Female-Led Movies
Wonder Woman proved that moviegoers will embrace female-led superheroes on the big screen but for Marvel Studios, Captain Marvel is the big test. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige tells Entertainment Weekly that the plan is to have more women headline their own movies once this one comes out and he's not just talking about that Black Widow spinoff which is currently in the works.
The Comic Books Brie Larson Read To Prepare
For a very long time, Carol Danvers was known as Ms. Marvel and was considered something of a C-List superhero in the Marvel Universe. Kelly Sue DeConnick was responsible for giving her a makeover and it was those issues Brie Larson turned to in order to get a good feel for the character. She's shared photos of her reading up on the hero on social media so we know she's an expert by this point.
How are you guys feeling about Captain Marvel after learning about these new details? Are your excited to see the hero in action? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.