A couple of days ago, we reported on a petition created by a disgruntled fan which calls on Marvel Studios to replace Brie Larson as its latest superhero, Captain Marvel. Despite being a ridiculous, unwarranted notion, the petition had already amassed 9,000 signatures at the time. Fast forward to now and the thing has gained even more steam. At the time of writing, the petition has been signed by over 14,500 people and is just 500 away from reaching its goal of 15,000.
Created by user Spike Valentine, it calls for Larson to step down as Carol Danvers so that a gay woman of color can play the role instead, proving that the actress, an outspoken supporter of equal representation when it comes to women and LGBT, is “an ally of social justice.” Valentine points to the fact that the African-American Monica Rambeau is the first female Captain Marvel in the comics as the reason this move should be made.
If you’re being generous, then there’s a good cause at the center of this petition, which would be calling for Marvel to give more franchises to people of color and those in the LGBT+ community. However, demanding for Larson to be replaced is just nonsense. The actress herself isn’t some obstacle against better representation in the MCU and in fact has said that Marvel needs to “move faster” with it in the next few years.
Besides, Monica is already in the franchise, as played by Akira Ackbar as a child in Captain Marvel. This was clearly setting up the character to appear in a superhero role when she’s older, which will likely happen in a sequel that hops forward a few years. Larson’s status as the first female lead of the MCU should be celebrated and will hopefully open the floodgates for various other heroines of different backgrounds to come.
Still, apparently nearly 15,000 people agree with this petition. Although, that’s just a drop in the ocean compared to all those that have seen Captain Marvel, which has earned over $1 billion at the global box office. As such, I think it’s safe to say Marvel isn’t going to lose any sleep over this.