Celebrity Superheroes: The Brie Larson “Captain Marvel” Backlash and Her Close Friendship with Costar Samuel L. Jackson
The Backlash Against Brie Larson
In 2016, when Brie Larson was cast as Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, the decision was met with fierce backlash and she became the target of a misogynistic smear campaign. Larson faced cruel attacks from online trolls, with some toxic Marvel fans expressing outrage that a woman was playing the popular character, who was originally portrayed as a man.
Furthermore, Larson’s physical appearance was criticized and social media was flooded with suggestions of actors who were deemed as better fits for the role. In 2018, when the first trailer for “Captain Marvel” was released, trolls went as far as digitally altering Larson’s face, to further perpetuate the “smile more” harassment that women often face in real life. The trolls claimed they had “fixed” Larson’s performance by photoshopping a smile onto her face.
As if the online harassment wasn’t enough, review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes was inundated with negative reviews for “Captain Marvel” months before its release. Many of these fake reviews accused Larson of being sexist against men, likely in response to her comments about the lack of diversity in Hollywood and among film critics. Larson had pointed out the need for inclusivity in press junkets, stating that she wanted to bring more seats to the table, not take away any existing seats.
Despite the intense scrutiny, “Captain Marvel” turned out to be a huge success, grossing over $1 billion globally. However, the backlash Larson faced was disheartening and shed light on the misogyny and double standards that women in the entertainment industry continue to face.
Samuel L. Jackson Stands Up for Brie Larson
Amidst the controversy surrounding Larson’s casting and the online harassment she faced, her friend and costar, Samuel L. Jackson, has spoken out about the cruel treatment she endured from some corners of the Marvel fandom.
Jackson and Larson first met during the making of the 2017 movie “Kong: Skull Island.” They later worked together on Brie’s directorial debut, “Unicorn Store,” as well as “Captain Marvel” and the upcoming movie “The Marvels.” Their bond grew during challenging times, such as the difficult experience they had on the set of “Kong: Skull Island.”
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Jackson addressed the backlash Larson faced and referred to the individuals perpetuating the negativity as “incel dudes,” emphasizing that they will not “destroy” her. He praised Larson’s strength and authenticity, highlighting their friendship and shared experiences as a source of inspiration and support.
Despite the mistreatment, Larson’s passion for her work and commitment to portraying complex, strong female characters remains unwavering. Jackson expressed his belief that Larson will not let the negativity deter her from pursuing her career and using her platform to champion inclusivity and feminism.
The Importance of Representation and Women in Superhero Movies
Brie Larson’s casting as Captain Marvel marked a significant milestone for representation in superhero movies. As the first woman-led superhero film from Marvel, “Captain Marvel” opened doors for more diverse storytelling within the genre.
Superhero movies have a massive impact on popular culture and influence the aspirations and dreams of countless individuals. The inclusion of women as lead characters in these films challenges traditional gender norms, empowers girls and women, and fosters a more inclusive and equal society.
Unfortunately, the backlash against Larson’s casting and the subsequent smear campaign highlights the ongoing resistance to change and the persistence of misogyny. It also underscores the importance of continued efforts to promote equity and representation within the entertainment industry.
Looking Ahead
Brie Larson’s experience with the “Captain Marvel” backlash serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat sexism and promote equality in film and beyond. It also highlights the significance of allies like Samuel L. Jackson, who use their platform to support and uplift their colleagues facing adversity.
Moving forward, it is crucial to celebrate the successes of women in superhero movies and to challenge the norms and biases that continue to hinder progress. By amplifying diverse voices and stories, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable film industry that reflects the diversity of our society.
Ultimately, the resilience and determination displayed by Brie Larson in the face of adversity reinforce the belief that change is possible, and that by standing together, we can create a future where everyone is represented and valued.
<< photo by Joseph Pearson >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
