- Zawe Ashton praises the MCU for diverse representation in The Marvels, including strong roles for women.
- The Marvels’ cast has faced hateful and misogynistic comments but remains strong against this negativity.
- Despite box office challenges, The Marvels and similar films open the MCU to wider audiences outside of comic book fans.
Actress Zawe Ashton, known for her role in Netflix’s Velvet Buzzsaw, commended the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for its diverse representation in the upcoming film The Marvels, in which she plays Kree antagonist Dar-Benn. In an interview on the Tamron Hall Show, Ashton expressed her excitement about being part of a movie that offers an “incredible representation of women” in both heroic and villainous roles.
According to Ashton, involvement in the film has had a significant impact on her personal growth, as her inner child has found healing in witnessing greater representation in the media. The Marvels, directed by Nia DaCosta, is a sequel to Captain Marvel and features an ensemble cast including Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Park Seo-Joon, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film follows superheroes Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau/Photon as they work together against Dar-Benn.
Despite Captain Marvel being the first female-led superhero movie to gross over $1 billion, Larson and the cast of The Marvels have faced hateful and misogynistic comments from a segment of MCU fans and internet trolls. Although these films may not perform as well in the box office, they pave the way for the MCU to expand its audience beyond comic book enthusiasts.
Over the years, the cast of The Marvels has remained steadfast against online negativity. In a March interview, Larson discussed her experience with hateful comments, which made her feel alienated and insecure. To cope, she has adopted a “good vibes only” lifestyle focused on health, meditation, and fitness, while fellow cast member Samuel L. Jackson has defended her against those who “hate strong women.” Director and co-writer Nia DaCosta chooses to concentrate on fans over trolls, stating, “I choose the side of the light.”
The Marvels is currently playing in theaters nationwide.