This year's Cannes Film Festival gets underway today, and the jury includes The Marvels star Brie Larson and The Batman's Paul Dano, among others.
During this morning's press conference, many of the questions were directed towards Larson, and, somewhat expectedly, the actress was asked about major studio blockbusters (superhero movies, in particular) being included in the prestigious festival's line-up along with smaller indie or arthouse fare.
“I only know my perspective, and I’ve never curated a film festival,” she responded. “I take the same level of preparation and care […] whatever the budget. A film is a film. This is my first time here. I’m sure the movies will have a wide range in scope, and that’s what makes this festival so special.”
To be clear, there are no superhero movies screening at Cannes (though Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will have its world premiere on May 18), but it is a discussion that tends to arise every year, so it's always good to get the perspective of someone who makes movies across the entire spectrum.
Larson was also asked about the decision to open the festival with Jeanne du Barry, a historical drama starring controversial Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny Depp.
“You’re asking me that?” she replied. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand the correlation or why me specifically.” When pressed, Larson added, “You’ll see, I guess, if I will see it. And I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do.”
Larson is an outspoken advocate of #MeToo and victims of sexual assault, which doesn't sit well with a certain online element, and the actress often finds herself being targetted by trolls. Most recently, a rumor that she was "difficult to deal with" while filming the Captain Marvel sequel reignited a lot of the backlash.