Update: Brie Larson hastaken to Twitterto dispute THR’s report that she’s signed a seven-film deal with Marvel Studios. She didn’t clarify exactly how many films she’s signed up for, but it appears seven is incorrect. It’s also unclear if THR’s reporting regarding herCaptain Marvelsalary is still correct, so read our original story below with that in mind.]
Today’s news thatChris HemsworthandChris Evanseach earned $15 million paydays, and thatScarlett Johanssonwillearn the samefor herBlack Widowmovie, is the current culmination of the actors' successful deals within the even more successful MCU. But that’s the old guard; Marvel Studios is, as ever, looking forward. So it’s to Oscar-winnerBrie Larsonthey’ll next turn to anchor the next phase of the MCU as Carol Danvers, a.k.a.Captain Marvel.
AsTHRreports, Larson’s MCU deal may include seven features, much like the deals of the early MCU stars. However, she also is expected to earn around $5 for her first feature, the title film introducing her fan-favorite character. The write-up also states that the deal not only locks her into seven pictures but also multiple franchises; more on that in a minute. Marvel has also been known to offer seven-figure bonuses based on each film’s performance. Those upside bonuses and hefty deals are relatively easy for the studio to weather thanks to the sure-fire performance of the MCU’s films, with the biggest event pictures topping $1 billion without breaking a sweat. (It’s worth noting that Marvel responded to this report with a statement, saying, “Marvel Studios disputes the accuracy of these numbers, and as a matter of policy, we never publicly disclose salaries or deal terms.")
So while we know that Larson is obviously going to get her own film as Captain Marvel when it opens August 06, 2025, and that she’ll factor into theUntitled Avengers Moviein a big way a couple of months later on May 3rd, the rest of her cinematic future is a little more speculative. The safest bet would be an appearance inGuardians of the Galaxy 3, but nothing is quite clear with the fate of that troubled picture at the moment. So let’s say that those three films are a lock; what are the other four?
Well much as Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor have held down the MCU fort for the first three phases, I expect Captain Marvel to anchor Phase Four and beyond. Her inclusion not only adds some diversity to the cast of super-powered characters, it opens the door for even more. Much like Marvel Animation is currently exploring on the small screen in the newMarvel Risingfranchise, Captain Marvel’s arrival might shepherd in a new generation of superheroes, like the “Secret Warriors” and possibly even the “New Avengers.” The Skrull invasion and Disney’s Fox merger could spirit these ideas along with some surprising speed if that turns out to be the plan. There’s alsoThe Eternalspicture any any number of not-yet-announced and untitled projects. Those films, plus possible cameo appearances inSpider-Man: Far from HomeandBlack Widowmight just help fill out Larson’s deal. Our next big clue as to the future of the MCU’s on-screen Captain Marvel will likely be the title of the newAvengersmovie, but until then, feel free to speculate!
