Spoilers for Avengers: Infinity War

As a decade of the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes to a close with Avengers: Infinity War, many fans are left wondering what is next for our heroes. After the snap, the world needs a new hero. Someone who will take charge and defeat Thanos once and for all. And where the strongest avengers failed, one hero has yet to rise. While the 90s may have been her past, now is her time to shine. We need a new captain, and here comes Captain Marvel.

Captain Marvel, is set to premiere March 8, 2019. March 8 is also International Women’s Day. Carol Danvers, once an Airforce pilot and now a member of the alien military unit, the Starforce, will rise to the challenge and be the hero that this world needs. She is enhanced with superhuman strength, endurance, flight, “sixth sense”, and human/kree physiology.

The new movie will take place in the 90s, fully loaded with nostalgia for today’s teens and adults. Cameos from blasts from the past such as Blockbuster, Nine Inch Nails, and Guns ‘n Roses can be found in stills and in the trailer. Familiar faces such as newly-hired Coulson and two-eyed Nick Fury will pop up as well.

While the trailer promises space, car chases, action, and a new hero, something else has come from the movie. Brie Larson, who plays our new captain, has risen as a role model.

When the trailer and pictures came out, a crashing wave of users tweeted that “she should smile more”. Some users even went as far as to photoshop and “fix” her posters so she is smiling. Larson replied not with words, but with pictures of her own. She posted a fan’s work where they took male Marvel posters and turned their frowns upside down.

The movie breaks many female hero stereotypes. Captain Marvel’s suit is not sexualized, and she is not solely used as a love interest. Her posters do not include the typical female hero stance where they are dramatically looking over their shoulder.

Captain Marvel is a well developed, well rounded character that many can look to. She is  relatable from her laid back, comfortable civilian style to her love for her cat.

Captain Marvel will be the MCU’s first female lead movie, and after much anticipation and voice from the audience, it is finally happening. Many little girls will now have a main character to look up to, a hero in her own narrative.

To sophomore Kira Pritchard, Captain Marvel is important because it lets “girls all across the world know that they can grow up to be just as strong, brave, and powerful as any guy”.

Captain Marvel brings something new to the superhero industry, something that has been missing. She will be a hero for the books, and most certainly for the movies. The future is female, and Carol Danvers will be our captain.