For far too long now there’s been a major, nagging issue at the heart of the massive “Cinematic Universe” that Marvel has created over the past decade or so: women have been confined almost entirely to weak and/or supporting side roles.
Through the first few Marvel Cinematic Universe films (that basically began with Iron Man in 2008) and even including the multiple Spider-Man franchises we’ve seen, female characters were romantic (or sexual) interests and secretary types, seldom getting in on the action or factoring into major plot points. In some of the more recent films, there have been very hollow attempts by Marvel to right this wrong: empowering Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts character with some kind of zombie serum so she could be involved in an action sequence in Iron Man 3, for instance, or introducing the wildly generic Agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) for no apparent reason in The Avengers. It’s no fault of Paltrow’s or Smulders’; Marvel just hasn’t been able to draw up strong female characters for the most part.
The one exception, really, has been Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). She’s been a legitimate crime-fighting force in four Marvel films, beginning with Iron Man 2. Black Widow has been a pivotal character in lacing together the narratives of various other heroes, and along the way she’s kicked her fair share of ass all on her own, thank you very much. And yet even the success of this character has largely served to emphasize Marvel’s leading lady problem. It’s partially because she’s been a lone wolf in this category, and also because the studio has until recently avoided the obvious fact that she needs her own freaking movie.
Fortunately, the last year or so has brought about some pretty significant changes in Marvel’s attitude toward female heroes, and we can now fairly say that the studio is beginning to embrace such characters. Better late than never!
It started with some of the new announcements and release dates regarding the so-called “Phase 4” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They were posted on The Verge in October and confirmed rumors of a Captain Marvel character making her way to the big screen. Despite her painfully unimaginative name, Captain Marvel is one of the better-known female superheroes in the Marvel canon, so this was a welcome announcement (even if her film isn’t expected to reach theaters until 2019).
More instantly gratifying was the announcement that an Elektra character would be added to the second season of Marvel’s Daredevil series on Netflix. This had been expected for some time, in part because the series was very successful and traditionally Elektra is a big part of Daredevil stories. However, it’s also because the character hasn’t really disappeared from Marvel’s projects, despite the 2005 Elektra film flopping. She’s featured in various app games, and actually has her own title among the casino games at Gala Bingo, where most similar titles belong to characters already featured in films. Next to the likes of Thor, Captain America, additional Avengers and Daredevil, the Elektra slot machine game may even have been a hint at the development of her character in a modern cinematic project. And now we know for sure that she’ll play a major role in the upcoming second season of Daredevil, where she’ll be portrayed by largely unknown French actress Elodie Yung.
I love everything about marvel <3
Who doesnt!! Hehehe! <3
You are a Hero. Truly are.
Me?!?!? Awwww, Im blushing! 😉
Black Widow so needs her own movie, but I’m excited to see other female characters being brought to the spotlight 🙂
Black Widow has gotten SO MUCH coverage in so many Marvel movies, so Im glad they are at least moving on to other characters!
Agreed! Oh I loved both Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Much darker than the big bix office Marvel characters, but so much fun!
I am enjoying the surge of nerd being in.. haha.. soooo many good TV and movie options nowadays!
Totally cool, dear! Hope it’s heading this way to Singapore too. xoxo
<3 I hope so too!
Agreed on a Black Widow movie! My husband is obsessed with Jessica Jones, I need to watch through it to catch up!
Yeah, with the Black Widow fan following I dont understand why they havent cashed in on that franchise! haha
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Jeanne
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Of course! Thanks for visiting mine! <3
I have been wanting to watch this show
xo
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Dooooo it!!
Very Cool! Totally agree! I love Marvel!
xo Paola
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Yeah, Marvel keeps winning me over more and more.. I used to be tied with them and DC lol
Very Cool! Totally agree! I love Marvel!!!!!
xo Paola
Expressyourself
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<3
defintely good news, we need more female heroes
Right?!?!
this is wonderful to hear. i’ve wanted to check out jessica jones for quite a while. the actress and i were once in the same magazine!
Whaaaaat!!! That story needs elaboration!! lol
Great post! I really like Jessica Jones!
Crazy how many people have seen the show!
My daughter was Black Widow for Halloween last year! It’s so nice to see new characters being added to the scene!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Awwww, share pictures!!!!
Such great news!
​xx katie // a touch of teal
<3
Girl power!!!!! 🙂 Love this!
Glad you enjoyed! <3
Finally! I’m so glad to hear this. Also, no idea that Jessica Jones was Marvel – I’ll have to check it out now!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
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Let me know what you think when you do get a chance to check it out!! <3
This is indeed a good news for marvel fans. Can’t wait to watch this movie…
Let me know what you think!! <3
That’s really amazing!
Have a nice Sunday!
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You too sweetie!
Its about time!! This is awesome and great.
Happy Sunday and have a blessed week ahead. 🙂
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You too, thank you for stopping by my blog my friend! <3
i love this movie
have an happy day
fashion blogger
kiss
You too! <3
That is really lovely.
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<3
I’m only familiar with Black Widow and Jessica Jones. I’m a big fan.
Im surprised!! You are generally so well versed in the nerdy realm!! lol
I’m not a Marvel fan, but my boyfriend will like it indeed! Thanks for sharing and have a nice day!
xx
cvetybaby.com
For sure!! <3
It’s really time for a good female superhero movie indeed. Hope Marvel will do it and hope they’ll nail it.
Agree! <3
It would be very interesting to see a Black Widow starring at her own movie, I mean it’s about time to showcase the woman character))
Right?!??! I think that would be a box office smash!
I wanted to watch that one sometime on Netflix because I alway liked Krysten Ritter.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Let me know what you think of it!
I love Netflix, must see Marvel for sure
have a nice friday
kisses
I’m Catelicious
You too sweetie!! <3
Marvel is so popular.
Good to read this.
All the best Jan
Glad you enjoyed the article! <3
My husband and I stumbled upon the series and enjoyed it. Some crazy scenes!!! Goooo Jessica!
Yeah, it does get… interesting at times. lol
I enjoyed watching Jessica Jones. I watched the current season on Netflix in less than two days. Very entertaining.
http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com
It is hard for hubby and I to watch sometimes, with the kids around, haha.. some scenes we have to fast forward!
Not only does Jessica Jones have a great female lead, almost the entire cast is made up of strong females. One character from the comics is even been gender bent from a man to a woman. Can’t wait for Season 2. And how did you feel about “Doctor Who” playing such an evil character?!
Hahaha, I was just talking to a friend about that yesterday.. it is WEIRD seeing characters you know play others!