When you interview Kevin Feige, it’s obvious what you’re getting yourself into. The Marvel Studios boss is the master of the non-answer. You will likely ask this incredibly detailed answer, with a clear answer in mind, and Feige will do verbal gymnastics, dodging your question, providing an answer that sounds informative, but eventually is revealed to be nothing more than what you already knew or could surmise. S. it’s always fun when you read an interview where the man behind-the-scenes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe actually gives some honest answers, as he did recently, when talking about “Captain Marvel.”
Speaking to ScreenRant, Feige was asked a variety of questions about the MCU and “Captain Marvel,” in particular. And while he remained cagey about anything in the future, he was forthcoming with talking about the Brie Larson film, and what the future might hold, as well as why this film is one of the few superhero films without a central love story.
First, Feige talked about what the history gaps that are presented in “Captain Marvel” mean for the future of the MCU. And it sounds like the gaps were purposefully there to allow for more creative freedom in the future, whether it be with Carol Danvers, Mar-Vell, or even the Skrulls.
Feige revealed, “I mean, I think one of the things that’s fun to us about the timeline of this film and the potential of future stories with these characters is there’s a great past, not just of Mar-Vell, but of the entire Skrull/Kree conflict and also this gap of history between when Carol Danvers flew off with Talos at the end, spoiler, and when she arrives with the Avengers.”
Another aspect of the film that Feige is willing to talk about, albeit vaguely, is the fact that by the end of “Captain Marvel” the titular hero is literally punching spaceships and destroying massive fleets of aliens, all by herself, leading many to worry that Marvel Studios made her way too strong.
“I think… there are no characters, certainly no Marvel characters that are invulnerable and that are immortal,” said Feige. “They can all be killed at some point as Loki says to Thor in ‘Avengers 1.’ So we may see that at some point, introduce that at some point.”
Combine that quote with the Russo Brothers talking about her role in the upcoming “Avengers: Endgame,” and it would appear that the studio has very distinct plans on how to include a Superman-like character that still has the flaws and vulnerabilities that make the MCU heroes unique and interesting.
Speaking of unique and interesting, “Captain Marvel” is also notable for being one of the few MCU origin story films that don’t include a love story. Even the films that are held as hallmarks of the genre (“Iron Man,” “Black Panther,” “Wonder Woman,” etc…) all feature a central love story. In “Captain Marvel,” the closest thing to a love story is the relationship between Carol and her best friend Maria. And according to Feige, it wasn’t intentional, it just happened naturally.
“Well that was something as we were developing the script and queuing off of the comics as always, it never even occurred to have a love interest,” the Marvel Studios president said. “That’s not what the movie was about. It was about Carol finding herself and growing and making mistakes and being bolstered up by her female mentors and female friends.”
“Captain Marvel” is in theaters now, and “Avengers: Endgame” arrives April 26.