In the vast cosmos of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, every new film is a star shining light on untold stories. As The Marvels prepares to land this Thursday, there’s a supernova of anticipation.
But before you strap in for this intergalactic ride, this is your one and only spoiler warning. Much of the detail concerning the film itself has been lifted directly from the internet, entertainment news reports and whatnot, as well as your friendly neighborhood scoopers over at The Geeky Cast. So if you want to go in blind, turn back now.
Carol Danvers, the Annihilator
Carol Danvers, or as the Kree now call her, the Annihilator, is a beacon of raw power. Her story arc needs more. More personal stakes, more internal conflict. Let’s see the Carol who’s torn between Earth and her Kree legacy, the hero struggling with the label of Annihilator thrust upon her by an empire she helped to topple.
The Annihilator. I don’t like that name.
There’s no doubt that Captain Marvel is a powerhouse with a heart as fierce as her photon blasts. Despite mixed feelings from some fans about her first solo outing, which I share, Carol’s place in the MCU is undeniable. Her Kree-enhanced abilities, which we saw in Captain Marvel, and her pivotal role in Avengers: Endgame make her a cosmic force to reckon with.
Kamala Khan and the Bangle
In the comics, Ms. Marvel, a.k.a. Kamala Khan, is a shape-shifting Inhuman with a rich backstory that’s been evolving since her first appearance in Captain Marvel #14. But the MCU has reimagined her powers, drawing from cosmic energy and a mysterious bangle, a departure that has garnered mixed reactions, as seen in the Ms. Marvel series on Disney+.
However, if what we’ve seen in the recent trailers and clips that have been released is any sign, there may be hope for the enthusiastic yet resourceful newbie superhero.
Monica Rambeau Needs to Shine
Monica’s journey from a child in Captain Marvel to a S.W.O.R.D. agent in WandaVision has been one of growth and discovery. Her transformation into a being of pure energy opens up a universe of storytelling possibilities.
She’s a character with untapped potential. Her comic book counterpart led the Avengers, for goodness’ sake. We need to see Monica shine with the full spectrum of her powers.
Dar-Benn Wants Revenge
Not only will The Marvels feature a trio of powerful women, but we’re introduced to our new nemesis, Dar-Benn. This hammer-wielding baddie blames Carol for the fall of the Kree Empire and is set on revenge. She wields a power to disrupt our heroes and cause chaos across realities.
Clearly it’s a case of every villain is the hero of their own story, because in the aftermath of Carol’s escapades in space, the Kree Empire is left decimated. And that leads to the doorstep of one Carol Danvers, or as they like to refer to her, the Annihilator.
The Fence Between Monica and Carol
That’s not the only fence that needs mending, however, as Monica’s resentment towards Carol is palpable. The Marvels needs to unpack this dynamic, exploring the complexities of their shared history, the grief over Maria Rambeau, and the responsibilities of heroism.
She feels abandoned by Captain Marvel, who she believes never returned after the Blip. However, plot details reveal that Carol was in fact there for Monica’s mother, Maria, during her final moments.
An Incursion, Straight Out of Hickman
The film will dive into the multiverse as our heroes encounter an incursion. In the comics, incursions are cataclysmic events where universes collide, leading to mutual destruction. And this film is set to tackle these multiverse shenanigans head on as our heroes face Dar-Benn’s machine.
We’re on the precipice of a multiverse-spanning epic. This concept, ripped directly from the pages of Marvel Comics, was introduced in Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers and New Avengers series back in 2012.
In the climax, Monica ends up stranded in a parallel universe, potentially setting the stage for the rumored soft reboot of the MCU leading up to the event, Secret Wars.
Stay in Your Seat
Ever since we first saw the silhouette of Marvel’s playboy, Tony Stark, at the end of The Incredible Hulk, audiences have looked for signs of a post-credit scene that might tease things to come. And this movie will not disappoint.
So stick around after the movie for two crucial scenes that could hint at Monica’s future and a possible assembly of a new team. Anyone familiar with a little group called the Young Avengers?
So there you go, now you know, and if knowing is half the battle, you’re halfway to being a know-it-all yourself.
My non-spoiler review drops Friday, where we’ll see if The Marvels can truly be marvelous, followed shortly by the spoiler-packed breakdown on Sunday. Will The Marvels soar high or be a cosmic misfire? I’ll be dissecting every moment.
Are you as hyped to unravel the cosmic tapestry of The Marvels? Tell me if you’re excited for the movie, or if the less than stellar ticket pre-sales mean fans might be getting tired of this whole superhero thing. The conversation lives in the comments on the video above.
