Brie Larson Clarifies 'Captain Marvel' Inclusivity Statements: "No One Is Getting Their Chair Taken Away."

The saying, “When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression,” applies a lot these days, but it feels especially–and unfortunately–relevant in the conversations around “Captain Marvel.” Star Brie Larson has made reasonable and refreshing calls for inclusivity in the press access around the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, which some dudes have taken (wrongly) to mean “no white men” allowed in the club house–a club house that they’ve guarded for, oh, pretty much the entire history of film journalism. In an interview with the Washington, D.C. FOX station, she clarifies what she meant for anyone who was still confused about her statements.

“What I’m looking for is to bring more seats up to the table,” the Oscar-winning actress said when asked by the interviewer about the angry response. “No one is getting their chair taken away. There’s not less seats at the table, there’s just more seats at the table.”

Those offended by her statements have taken to the internet with their ire, most recently on Rotten Tomatoes. There they’ve tried to tamp down excitement for the film with negative user reviews, which seems like a less-than-effective strategy as well as a poor use of their time, but you do you, trolls. By contrast, early reviews by those who have actually seen the movie are generally glowing.

For those of us who aren’t boycotting “Captain Marvel” for dumb reasons, there’s other news about the upcoming Marvel release. In an appearance on “The Late Show with Steven Colbert,” Annette Bening shared a clip and gave insight into who she’s playing in the film. She’ll be a “a god-like entity” named the “Supreme Intelligence.” This seems reasonable for a woman who’s been goddess-like in real life for decades, starring in everything from “The Grifters” to “20th Century Women” (bow down). She explains further that her character is, “the leader of the Kree people, the artificial intelligence which consists of the greatest intellects of the Kree people for the last million years.”

“Captain Marvel” is in theaters Friday, March 8.