Ben Mendelsohn makes everything better, and he’s just as happy appearing in a blockbuster as taking some time to make an indie movie. The months ahead will see him in a variety of projects, ranging from Joe Wright‘s Oscar contending “Darkest Hour” to Steven Spielberg‘s shiny “Ready Player One.” Now, he’s getting ready for his first turn in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Mendelsohn is in talks to play the villain in “Captain Marvel.” Indie helmers Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden are behind the camera for the movie which will star Brie Larson, and it will be a reunion for the filmmakers with Mendelsohn, who starred in their gambling road trip drama “Mississippi Grind.” Geneva Robertson-Dworet (“Tomb Raider“) has penned the most recent draft of the script, but as per usual, Mendelsohn’s exact role is being kept under wraps. That said, the film already has a coupe of unique twists.
Firstly, it will be set in the 1990s, making it something a prequel to the rest of the MCU. So, it makes sense that you won’t see Captain Marvel popping up in next summer’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” Lastly, Samuel L. Jackson is expected to appear in the film playing Nick Fury.
While it’s not technically being called a spinoff or standalone, it sure feels like one, even though I’m sure there will be plenty of Easter eggs to connect to the rest of the MCU.
“Captain Marvel” opens on March 8, 2019. [Variety]
