The Marvels star Teyonah Parris recently shared her perspective on being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe during a time of significant expansion in terms of diverse characters and actors. The MCU has been both praised and criticized for its efforts to diversify its roster, including gender and race-swapping characters from their original comic book iterations.
In a recent interview with IGN, Parris, who portrays Monica Rambeau, expressed her gratitude for being involved in the MCU's narrative at a time when superheroes are portrayed as more inclusive. She emphasized the importance of representation, stating that seeing diverse heroes on screen is something she wished she had growing up.
Parris highlighted the significance of showcasing superheroes who reflect the diversity of the audience, stating, 'Just to see people who look like you, [or] who don't look like you, be in situations that are familiar but are also quite extraordinary, and how they deal with those circumstances and trials that may come to them and watching them be human, they are super.'
Despite initial expectations for The Marvels to close out a successful year for Marvel Studios in 2023, the film faced challenges at the box office. It was labeled as the lowest-grossing movie in the franchise's 15-year history, a stark contrast to the billion-dollar success of Captain Marvel in 2019.
Parris acknowledged the lack of traditional press tours due to external circumstances during the film's release, which shielded her from much of the negative feedback. She noted that she felt surrounded by love and support from those who were excited to see the diverse cast of women in action.
Following its release on Disney+, The Marvels received mixed reactions, with some expressing regret over not experiencing the film in theaters. The shift towards streaming platforms has raised questions about the impact of shortened theatrical windows on box office performance.
Looking ahead, the MCU faces a period of reflection and recovery after recent setbacks. With a lighter release schedule in 2024, the franchise will focus on projects like Deadpool & Wolverine and Disney+ shows. The return to a more robust lineup in 2025, featuring films like The Fantastic Four and Captain America: New World Order, will be closely monitored by Marvel Studios and Disney.
For fans eager to watch The Marvels, the film is now available for streaming on Disney+.
