Jessica Alba, who played Sue Storm in Fox's live-action Fantastic Four films, has opened up about her thoughts on Marvel's lack of diversity.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe recently has introduced more diverse heroes in newer projects like Ms.Marvel, Shang Chi and The Ten Rings, Black Panther, and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. These projects have brought a different light and stories that haven't been seen in the MCU before. Although Marvel Studios is making some changes with whose stories they choose to portray on screen, it doesn’t excuse the past and Fantastic Four actress Alba is making that very clear.
In a recent interview with Glamour UK, Alba recalled her past with Marvel. In 2005 Alba starred in The Fantastic Four film, and she called herself “one of the few (diverse characters) back in the day.” She continued to tell Glamour UK that there have been some major efforts made in the world of movie making and within the MCU itself, however, she referred to the state of the entertainment business right now being “still quite Caucasian.” The Fantastic Four actress went on to express how she thinks it’s vital that the people of the world see that world actively and accurately represented on screen. "I just think more for the younger people who are coming up, who are going to be our future leaders, it’s important for them to see the world on-screen, or in stories, in the dreams that we create as entertainers; it reflects the world that they’re in," she said.
One of the most common issues that have arisen in the media within the past few decades is on-screen diversity. Many people of color, sizes, and economic statuses found themselves not being represented when they looked at their favorite characters on the big and small screen. Although many big production companies have been trying to bring more normalcy and diversity to their projects, they still may be lacking what their viewers need to feel included. So, Alba's comments about diversity in Hollywood add to a larger conversation that has continued to grow over the years. Although Marvel has been making strides to give more representation, many viewers have slammed the studio for being “fake woke” and acting performative with their choice to bring more ethnic characters to the big screen.
It’s hard to tell if Marvel Studios' changes in its diversity between now and 2005 are for the right reasons, and that question may never be answered. However, with the release of blockbusters like Black Panther and Shang-Chi and The Ten Rings, younger people of color can finally see themselves as heroic characters on the big screen, which should be applauded for sure. Nonetheless, there is always room for more diversity and representation, so it’s now in the hands of Marvel Studios and other major production companies to bring that to their audiences.
The Fantastic Four films are now available on Disney Plus.
Source: Glamour UK