Petition calls for removal of Brie Larson in 'Captain Marvel' sequel

MCU fans are demanding that a woman of colour be cast in the lead role instead

The sequel of Disney's Captain Marvel was recently given the green signal, according to The Hollywood Reporter. While the studios are busy in finalising a director for the project, the franchise is facing opposition yet again, this time however for totally different reasons.

According to Cinema Blend, an online petition has just surfaced that is calling for the titular character to be recast with a woman of colour, much in line with the relatively better known incarnation of Captian Marvel in the comics.

The demand is made on Care2 Petitions under the title “Demand Captain Marvel is Played By a Woman of Color, Not Brie Larson!” In the petition, fans want Larson to put her talk of social justice to the test by giving a 'gay woman of colour' a chance to take on the mantle.

"We need Brie Larson to step down from her role to prove she is an ally of social justice and ensure a gay woman of color plays the role. Let Monica, the original female and black Captain Marvel instead of white-washing characters for the benefit of the straight, white men running Disney," the petition read.

The fans here are referring to the character Monica Rambeau who was the second Captain Marvel in the comics, before Carol Danvers, as depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Monica Rambeau was one of the few African-American superheroes shown in the comics at the time of her debut. The character was the first African-American heroine to become part of the Avengers, of which she became the leader later on, albeit for a short time.

Meanwhile Carol Danvers is the most recent character to become Captain Marvel, taking on the identity back in 2012 . However the character existed long before that as Ms Marvel.

Additionally the petition also highlights that other than The Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation Larson hasn't donated to any other charities.  The petition has reached more than 27,000 signatures.

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