Though the MCU has been around for nearly 10 years (and it feels like longer), we still have yet to see a female superhero lead her own film. Though we have wonderful, ferocious characters like Black Widow, Gamora, and Scarlet Witch in their respective ensembles, we are still counting down the days until we get to see a woman star in her own superhero story. As we know from Star Wars and other increasingly inclusive franchises, representation is important! So while Captain Marvel may still be two years away, we were pretty excited to get a our very first look at the MCU’s first leading heroine last night.
Along with a group of other press, Nerdist was invited to Marvel Entertainment’s headquarters on the Disney lot in Burbank, CA for a mysterious “Open House,” not knowing what lay in store for us. We were thrilled to learn that we were getting a tour through Marvel’s creative department, where all the magic happens. Amidst workspaces decorated with action figures, classic comics, and other collectibles, the entire space was wall-to-wall concept art from all the films in Marvel’s upcoming slate: Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and of course, Captain Marvel.
We stepped into an office with walls lined with concept art from all the upcoming MCU films, but our eyes immediately went to Carol Danvers. There were only three Captain Marvel images up on the wall, but they packed quite a punch. The first two pieces of concept art featured Brie Larson in her costume, which appears to draw heavy inspiration from her classic comics suit. Though the design kept Captain Marvel’s signature eight-pointed star emblem square on the chest, its look and feel were more akin to Ant Man’s suit than Iron Man’s. Like a form-fitting armor, her suit is less spandex and more military grade, covering her whole body. Her iconic sash is more of a utility belt, favoring function over form. In the concept art she stands tall, staring off into the distance, looking hopeful but tough.
The third image showed her fighting off a something in a giant metal suit with a helmet; the creature looked almost like the Kree sentries. Between her hands, glowing red energy–a.k.a. Captain Marvel’s energy projection and absorption powers. According to screenwriter Nicole Perlman, Carol Danvers’ backstory is going to be different than the one we know from the comics, but if this concept art is to believed, the Kree are still going to make an appearance one way or another.
Of course, anything can change between now and the film’s release (visual development supervisor/concept artist Andy Park stressed that this concept art is not final), but it was still thrilling to see Carol Danvers in the flesh, ready for action… and we can’t wait to see what else she has in store.
Stay tuned for more of our coverage from Marvel’s Open House, and let us know in the comments below who you’d like to see direct Captain Marvel.
Images: Marvel
