The speculation originated with an embarrassing D23 viral interview tape.
Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel stint has been marred by controversy, much of it clearly motivated by misogyny. So, after three years in the job and no evidence of the harassment ceasing, it’s understandable that she has mixed views about the MCU.
This topic has resurfaced in Marvel fandom as a result of a quick interview with Larson at last weekend’s D23 event. She was in attendance to promote her Disney+ docuseries Growing Up and Captain Marvel sequel The Marvels, and this 11-second clip is from an impromptu chat with Variety. Larson shrugs abruptly when asked how long she’ll portray Captain Marvel, saying, “I don’t know, does anyone want me to do it again?” “I don’t know. I truly don’t have an answer to that,” she shrugs again.
Larson’s statement seemed to be completely normal for a Marvel actor, avoiding any suggestion of spoilers for prospective next projects. However, the clip served as a Rorschach test for people’s perceptions of Brie Larson.
How long will Brie Larson play Captain Marvel?
“I don’t know. Does anyone want me to do it again?” https://t.co/lyxUEr5y6V pic.twitter.com/sz78oVWKBD
— Variety (@Variety) September 10, 2022
Her demeanor has a somewhat stilted edge here, leading many to wonder whether she’s not overjoyed about her destiny as Captain Marvel. Some of her opponents saw this as more proof that she isn’t “likeable,” which is a subjective criticism that is often made about women in public.
(It’s important to understand that this entire discussion is centered on a single 11-second clip.) Larson was more relaxed in other D23 clips, offering genuine answers to queries about The Marvels and generally promoting the MCU. She also tagged a photo shoot with her female co-stars “trolls explode.”
This interview rapidly provided grist for Brie Larson’s detractors on YouTube, which has been the venue of choice for many anti-fandom efforts against women and people of color in SF/F media. This 11-second video generated others with headlines like “Brie Larson ADMITS Everyone HATES Her As Captain Marvel At D23!” and “Brie Larson Interview MELTDOWN-Claims NOBODY Wants Her as Captain Marvel.”
On Twitter, Larson’s admirers responded by underlining how she has suffered hatred for years and pledging their support for her continued involvement in the MCU. “This absolutely breaks my heart, guy,” says one commenter. “I adore Captain Marvel and Brie Larson.” “I hope she realizes how many people adore her.”
The way that all Brie Larson does is exist, and it pisses off men is so powerful and sexy of her actually https://t.co/IhWXVvptdG
— wendy (@photonverse) September 11, 2022
While many people on both sides of the debate believe Larson’s comment proves she’s quitting the series, there’s no evidence that’s the case.
Following her major role in The Marvels next year, she’ll be one of the top-billed heroes in Avengers: Kang Dynasty in 2025, ushering in a new era for the Avengers squad. She shared a selfie from their time working together on his breakout film, Short Term 12, two months ago, to mark the announcement that Destin Daniel Cretton will direct.
Even if Larson has mixed views about the fandom’s reaction to Captain Marvel, this doesn’t sound like the conduct of someone who is about to depart at any moment.