If you’re not a fan of outspoken actors that use their celebrity platform to talk about social issues plaguing the world today, then we’re sorry to report that you probably won’t enjoy much of what Brie Larson has to say in interviews. The Oscar-winning actress is beginning to make the rounds, promoting her upcoming Marvel Studios film “Captain Marvel,” which sees Larson become the most powerful superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And instead of talking about the comic book Easter Eggs in the film, the future of the MCU, or what it was like flying around on strings in front of a green screen, the actress is using every opportunity to explain the societal impact of the film and how it allows her to bring social issues to the public eye.
And in the new interview with Marie Claire, Larson does just that. Obviously, she’s not trying to tell people how to live their lives or trying to say how a film about a half-human/half-alien warrior saves the world from shapeshifters is some larger political allegory. Instead, she talks about how this new-found superstar status allows Larson to use her real-life powers for good.
“I want to go out of my way to connect the dots,” says Larson, when talking about her recent status as a superstar affords her more privilege than she previously had. “It just took me using the power that I’ve been given now as Captain Marvel. [The role] comes with all these privileges and powers that make me feel uncomfortable because I don’t really need them.”
Specifically mentioning the notoriety that comes with being the star of a massive Marvel Studios film, Larson said, “I’ve never craved the spotlight that often comes along with success in this business. It’s a by-product of the profession and a sign of the times. But any uncomfortableness I feel is balanced by the knowledge that it gives me the ability to advocate for myself and others.”
But that doesn’t mean the actress is minimizing the effect that “Captain Marvel” might have for little girls or grown women that feel emotional watching another female-led superhero movie. “It’s so interesting, as it’s not something I thought about until I was in the cinema watching ‘Wonder Woman.’ About two minutes in, I was sobbing and thought, ‘Why am I crying so much over this?’” said Larson. “But it was seeing all of these warrior women who were so self-sufficient. That wasn’t something I identified with growing up – my hero was Indiana Jones. To have the chance to be one example of this is powerful and exciting.”
READ MORE: Brie Larson Says Views The Upcoming ‘Captain Marvel’ As “My Form Of Activism”
Ultimately though, Larson feels that the real power she gets from portraying Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, is going to come after the film is launched, and she’s able to use that star-power to make real change in the real world.
“I have so much that I want to do,” explains the actress. “Most of my goals are trying to bring in people, who are not traditionally associated with the movie industry, to tell their stories and help facilitate that. I also want to help with a non-profit school to teach young people, folks who have just gotten out of prison, or anyone who is diverse to learn skills in different departments, so that we can better diversify the industry that I work in. And then I have personal stuff – I’m passionate about martial arts, so I’d like to spend as much time as I can getting better at that. I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I can do creatively.”
“Captain Marvel” hits theaters on March 9.