Oscar winning Brie Larson is reportedly the frontrunner to play Captain Marvel in the upcoming standalone film. The film might be just one of a few planned (and much-needed) female starring films including possible standalone films with Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow respectively.
Varietyreported Larson, who won the Best Actress Oscar this year for Room, is in talks for the Marvel project. Sources said Larson is the frontrunner for the female superhero and that she's "leaning toward playing the part."
A rep for Larson declined to comment.
Captain Marvel, a.k.a. Carol Danvers, is an air force pilot who gains superpowers (strength, flight, and the ability to shoot energy bursts) when she suffers an accident and her DNA is combined with that of an alien.
Captain Marvel will mark Marvel's first female superhero project on the big screen. Names that have been thrown around to portray the superhero include Ronda Rousey, who has had roles in Furious 7 and The Expendables 3. After saying she wanted to be Captain Marvel last year, the internet actually made her wish come true by creating fan art of Rousey as Captain Marvel. Rousey's chances for Captain Marvel looked even better when in October Marvel president Kevin Feige was asked about Rousey's campaign for the role and said, "I love it."
Last year Charlize Theron was also rumored to be starring as Captain Marvel—before Rousey's campaign—with Angelina Jolie rumored to be attached as director.
Up next for Rousey is starring in the Road House remake, while Theron enters the Fast and the Furious universe as a villain for eighth film installment. Larson will be seen in the upcoming blockbuster Kong: Skull Island.
Captain Marvel is set to premiere March 8, 2019.
