Reimagining Captain Marvel: Lessons from the MCU and Comic Universe

The release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has once again raised the debate about the future of Captain Marvel. Many industry experts, including myself, believe that changes could be made to the Captain Marvel (2019) to make it a more compelling character and a richer story. This article explores potential changes and highlights valuable lessons from both the MCU and the comic universe.

1. Revamping the Story for Consistency with MCU

First, it's essential to ensure that Captain Marvel fits seamlessly into the MCU. This means changing the story from its original pre-Crisis and Crisis versions to a more unified narrative that adheres closely to the established continuity. One potential change is to merge Captain Marvel and Billy Batson into a single entity, eliminating any discrepancies in the storylines.

For example: Instead of making Captain Marvel a youthful figure, consider introducing the character as an adult. This approach would better align with the MCU's representation of superheroes, as it was done with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness directed by Sam Raimi. Raimi's direction was a brilliant fit for the multiverse concept, much like his "The Evil Dead series.

2. Enhancing the Character Development of Carol Danvers

The 2019 Captain Marvel was criticized for not fully exploring the character's inner journey. To improve the story, focus on Carol Danvers' transformation from a strict by-the-book soldier to a more complex and relatable character. Consider these elements:

Incorporate a subplot where Carol Danvers faces the moral dilemmas of working for a nefarious organization, such as the Kree. This could serve as a catalyst for her self-discovery and understanding of her true identity. Create a more compelling origin story for Carol that explains her decisions and choices without relying on the original comic premises. Incorporate a support system, such as a mentor figure, to guide Carol through her challenges. For example, having an experienced SHIELD agent provide guidance could help her navigate the intricacies of superhero-dom.

3. Addressing the Damage from Poor Editorial Choices

The reputation of Carol Danvers (formerly known as Shazam) has been tarnished by her involvement in Civil War II and other story arcs. To rebuild the character, a new, hard reboot is necessary. This involves:

Reintroducing Classic Factions: Introduce the classic cast of characters in a gradual manner to ground the story in the rich history of the Marvel universe. Restoring Ethical Gratuity: Remove any misandrist content and focus on the ethical development of the character. Relaunching Key Titles: Consider relaunching key titles such as Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, and Captain America set in WWII to establish a solid foundation.

This approach would set the stage for the kind of hard reboot that reshapes Carol Danvers into a more resonant and compelling character.

4. Introducing New Perspectives and Storylines

To add depth and excitement to the Captain Marvel story, consider incorporating new elements such as:

Character Interactions: Explore the dynamic between Carol Danvers and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Their mutual connection as space explorers and their separate missions could create interesting storylines. Self-Discovery Journeys: Focus on Carol Danvers' self-discovery through her interactions with characters from different backgrounds. This could include encounters with SHIELD, other Kree, and even extraterrestrial entities. Training and Mentorship: Introduce a mentor character who guides Carol through her challenges, similar to how associated teams guide Captain America or Iron Man.

These elements could enrich the character and provide a clearer path for her growth and development.

By addressing these areas, the next iteration of Captain Marvel could transcend the limitations of the 2019 film and become a more compelling and enriching story that resonates with audiences.