Although the assignment of spirit animals is hardly a new phenomenon, having borne some form in occultist and shamanic theologies for centuries now, the practice has never been quite as “in fashion” as it is today. In lieu of seeking cosmic guidance from the varied majesties of across the zoological spectrum, however, we generally just relegate the ritual to figuring out which Marvel Cinematic Universe stars are more corgi than kitten. But the heavenly connotation long ago attached to the notion of spirit animals comes back into play when you find yourself facing a match-up so perfect that it practically begs to be accredited to divine intervention. Like, for instance, Anna Kendrick and the squirrel.

Bubbly but acerbic, feisty but anxious—Kendrick is practically more sciurus than sapien, which is why the mere suggestion of her casting as Marvel’s lesser known but adamantly beloved hero Squirrel Girl is enough to rally favor. As it turns out, Kendrick’s squirrel-like tendencies are well documented in her closest circles: it was Kendrick’s brother who introduced her to the superheroine, insisting that she was ideal for the part.

As Kendrick told Net-a-Porter, “My brother sent me a Squirrel Girl comic because he thinks I should [play her]. I don’t know what Squirrel Girl does other than be half squirrel, but I could be half squirrel!”

While her unfamiliarity with the character is probably not exactly a selling point to Squirrel Girl devotees, Kendrick’s physical and personal resemblance to the high-energy mutant vigilante Doreen Green—a member of Marvel’s new league of U.S. Avengers—is tough to brush off. That said, while Kendrick might be a picturesque candidate for the part, her skyrocketing notability may make her an unlikely candidate for a streaming series adaptation of the comic book, which is the most viable form such a property would take at this point. (And, judging by Daredevil and Jessica Jones, the most promising).

As such, getting our hopes up for a Kendrick-starring Squirrel Girl show or movie is not just yet a wise move. But acknowledging her true destiny as the human ambassador to the squirrel kingdom in our species’ inevitable alliance against those dreadful seagulls, well that’s something it’s never too soon to get behind.

Featured Image: Marvel Comics/Magnolia