Brie Larson Reflects on Her MCU Prospects Post-‘The Marvels’ Disappointment

On November 10, 2023, ‘The Marvels’ hit theaters, and despite predictions of low box office numbers and mixed reviews, nobody anticipated just how poorly it would perform, breaking some unfortunate records as the lowest-grossing Marvel Studios movie to date.

A mix of factors contributed to its lackluster reception. Reviews were divided, with critics and fans alike unable to agree on whether the movie was any good. Many fans pointed fingers at superhero fatigue and a perceived decline in the quality of MCU storytelling.

In an unusual move, even Disney CEO Bob Iger acknowledged the movie’s failure, admitting the studio needed to prioritize quality over quantity. Following this, it was announced that only ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ would see release in 2024, in hopes of reigniting interest in the franchise.

But how did Brie Larson, the star of ‘The Marvels,’ respond to all this? During the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards, in an interview with ET, Larson gracefully and realistically addressed her potential future in the MCU.

I think there’s still so much inside of Carol. I feel like getting to be on this team just cracked her open in a way that she hadn’t been, and I really loved that for her. I just loved her letting the shoulders drop a little bit, and not needing to feel like all the responsibility was on her. So I think that there is just so much more to go…

Larson faced criticism from the get-go for her role as Captain Marvel, with some labeling her as racist and sexist. Despite this, she showed dedication to the part, even undergoing significant physical training. While ‘Captain Marvel’ initially saw great success, breaking records for a female-led film in its opening week, the dislike for Larson persisted.

With the failure of ‘The Marvels,’ criticism shifted away from Larson personally, with fans acknowledging broader issues with the movie such as its storyline, villain, and overall quality.

Although Ms. Marvel’s recruitment of the Young Avengers suggests potential for future appearances by other characters, including Captain Marvel, it remains uncertain. Do you think Larson’s Captain Marvel should return in future projects? Share your thoughts in the comments below!