Phase three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has already introduced new heroes such as Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther and Tom Holland's Spider-Man. Later this year, Marvel will also introduce a Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange. Of all the new Phase Three franchise characters, the only one who hasn't been cast is Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel.
But that may be about to change.
After months of fan speculation and wish lists, new reports are claiming that Academy Award winner Brie Larson is the front runner to land the coveted gig. Variety is saying that Larson is already in talks with Marvel and is indeed interested in the role. The studio did not comment officially, and it is unknown where negotiations are at the moment, but it does appear as if Larson is the No. 1 choice. Given the mutual interest, it's hard to see a deal not getting done in the near future.
The standalone "Captain Marvel" film is not scheduled to arrive until 2019, in between the two-part "Avengers: Infinity War" series. Details about the movie are slim, as Marvel has re-jiggered their release schedule and focused their attention on the seven titles set to hit theaters before "Captain Marvel." The project is still without a director, but landing Larson would be a big step in the right direction. It's likely that the studio is moving forward with the casting process in order to introduce the character before she headlines her own solo adventure. We'd expect her to show up in "Avengers: Infinity War Part I" in 2018 before "Captain Marvel" in 2019.
Other names that have been mentioned in connection to the Captain Marvel role (unofficially) include Emily Blunt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Katheryn Winnick and Jessica Chastain. However, Larson's recent Oscar win must have put her over the top, despite her young age (26) for a character who is a seasoned military officer. She's a great choice who can help carry the load once the contracts for the existing Avengers expire.
The solo movie is being penned by Meg LeFauve ("Inside Out") and Nicole Perlman ("Guardians of the Galaxy") and will hit theaters on March 8, 2019.
