Brie Larson, renowned for being the first female lead in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with her role as Captain Marvel, recently reflected on her experiences dealing with fan criticism during an interview with The Telegraph.
Larson's portrayal of Carol Danvers, released in 2019, made history not just for the representation it brought to the superhero genre but also for the backlash she endured from parts of the fan base. Initially hesitant about taking on such a high-profile role, Larson felt compelled to embrace it after recognizing the potential to inspire young women through her character's empowerment.
Despite the monumental impact her performance has had, negative reactions came to the fore, particularly from male fans who expressed their discontent through misogynistic comments online. Larson's experiences with this toxicity led to insights included in the book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, which suggested she felt “disillusioned” by the negativity surrounding her character.
Fellow actor Samuel L. Jackson, who starred alongside Larson, vocally defended her by combating the vitriol aimed at her. He condemned the “incel dudes who hate strong women” on social media, demonstrating solidarity with his co-star against the pervasive misogyny.
During her recent interview with Claire Allfree of The Telegraph, Larson revisited her experiences as Captain Marvel, and the topic of the male reaction to her casting was brought up again. When queried about why she thinks certain men felt threatened by her role, Larson maintained her composure. She diplomatically stated, "I don't know. I…don't pay attention," clearly indicating her desire to move beyond the negativity.
Allfree, not ready to let the topic go, continued to press Larson for elaboration. The actress's response reinforced her stance. "What I would like you to see is...nothing to do with me," she firmly stated.
This exchange prompted mixed reactions online, with many praising Larson for her ability to sidestep the baiting attempts. A tweet from the King Killer Podcast shared their admiration for Larson’s refusal to criticize her audience, calling the reporter's approach “awful” and applauding Larson for not taking the bait.
The mood of the interview shifted as Allfree criticized Larson’s inability to fully engage with the subject of sexism or provide her perspective on female superheroes being seen as anomalies due to past industry patterns. Larson’s reticence to answer made clear her intent to focus on her work rather than the negativity surrounding it, inserting another layer to the conversation about women’s portrayal and experiences within Marvel.
On the other hand, Larson is diversifying her career, preparing to step onto the stage as she takes on the role of Elektra, created by playwright Anne Carson. She revealed her excitement about collaborating with the award-winning director Daniel Fish, recognized for his success with the Broadway revival of Oklahoma!.
“I couldn’t be more excited to perform...timeless story,” Larson shared enthusiastically with Variety, expressing her passion for storytelling as integral to her life experiences.
Her new theatre production of Elektra opened at Theatre Royal Brighton on January 13 and transferred to London’s Duke of York’s Theatre on January 24, where it will continue until April 12. This transition to theatre signifies Larson's commitment to versatile acting roles, illustrating her dedication to powerful storytelling beyond the superhero genre.
With her head held high and her focus on inspiring performers and audiences everywhere, Larson is carving her path through the tumultuous waters of fame, representation, and artistic expression, making it clear she will not be sidelined by the negative undertones of criticism.