As the list of heroes that audiences have yet to see incorporated into the MCU continues to shrink, with each new film comes the speculation of which of the remaining comic book characters will be making their debut, and an A-Lister who Marvel might be bringing in to play them.
The most recent of these candidates to emerge from the rumor-mill is Captain Marvel. Assuming that the studio won’t be looking to use the variant of an alien Kree warrior cunningly named ‘Mar-Vell’, then fans will therefore be awaiting the arrival of Carol Danvers. A professional soldier, she is granted super strength, flight and the ability to project energy blasts after being caught in an explosion of alien-tech at a secret military facility.
The character of Danvers has in the past attracted some debate and criticism from commentators. Whilst on one hand representing patriotism and an assertive and strong female lead, there is the minor issue that traditionally she hasn’t really worn many clothes either. Marvel will no doubt have to adapt her in much the same way they had to for the recent arrival of the Scarlet Witch.
Of late, Ronda Rousey has thrown her hat into the ring. The most recent rumors put MI:5‘s Rebecca Ferguson firmly in the hot seat. But those ladies apart, who else might be a strong candidate for the role?
7. Charlize Theron
If you’re going A-List, you may as well go straight to the top. One of the most jaw-achingly beautiful women in the business, with an impressive list of character-driven turns and awards to her name. Fresh off her scene-stealing performance as Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road, surely she’s a top contender?
6. Emily Blunt
This English Rose has been rumored to have been courted by Marvel for some time now, and at one point was a sure favorite for the role. Despite having recently offended a significant part of the US with her recent controversial comments about citizenship, her talent is undeniable, and her rip-roaring turn in Edge of Tomorrow/Live Die Repeat – whatever they’ve renamed it as surely pushes her back up to the top of the list?
5. Sienna Miller
Another Brit who’s doing the rounds in Hollywood at the moment, Miller has recently won plaudits for her performance in American Sniper. A former model, turned actress, Miller’s no stranger to a comic book movie, having previously played the lethal villain The Baroness in GI Joe.
4. Katee Sackhoff
So we’re looking for an ass-kicking, fiery military officer? Well, look no more. Sackhoff’s signature role continues to be the wise-cracking, cigar-chomping Starbuck from BSG. She’s maintained a steady flow of work since the series finished, with strong roles in Riddick and Oculus. And let’s not forget her cameo in that notorious Power Rangers reboot trailer.
3. Gina Carano
Continuing the theme of feisty, ass-kicking ladies, another MMA fighter who might fit the bill is Carano. Having long been the subject of fan mock-ups and photoshopping for a variety of super heroine roles, her adrenaline-fueled performances in Haywire and Fast 6 more than prove her acting credentials.
2. Olivia Wilde
With her super sexy turn as Quorra in Tron Uprising, Wilde most certainly has the looks the role requires. She’s comfortable in both mainstream (Rush), or arthouse (Drinking Buddies) cinema, and has already featured in a comic-book adaptation, having won the lead in Cowboys & Aliens.
1. Elizabeth Banks
The multi-talented Banks must surely have drawn the eye of the studios. She’s got the look; and a wicked sense of humor to boot, as her work on the Lego Movie, and the Pitch Perfect films indicates. She’s proven prepared and able to turn her hand to any challenge, cropping up in Magic Mike XXL, The Hunger Games trilogy, and even Robot Chicken. Maybe an actor/producer role is on the offing?
Wild Cards – Television
The rise in popularity of the big TV shows in recent years has provided television actresses with audience numbers and media coverage comparable with that of those performing in summer blockbusters. Are there any candidates to be found here?
How about Natalie Dormer? Yes, she had a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ role in Captain America, but she wouldn’t be the first actor to play dual roles in the MCU, and she clearly knows how to play a strong female lead.
How about Elisabeth Moss? Anybody who saw her turn in Kiwi drama Top of The Lake is aware of her ability to play an authority figure in conflict.
Did you agree or disagree with the list? Let us know in the comment section below!