Jessica Albais the latest actor to discuss issues with diversity within the film industry. In a recent interview withGlamour UK, the actress and entrepreneur stated that she believes there has been growth in film when it comes to representation, but called the improvement “a business initiative” for those who realized more diverse casts lead to increased profits. The actress also noted that there was still room for more improvement and specifically called out the Marvel Cinematic Universe, saying:
“Even if you look at the Marvel movies – that’s the biggest driver of fantasy and what’s happening right now in entertainment, because it’s sort of the family thing – it’s still quite Caucasian. I would say I was one of the few back in the day… And it was before Marvel was sold to Disney… but it’s still quite… more of the same.”
Alba, who is of Mexican descent, rose to stardom when she starred in the seriesDark Angelfrom 2000-2002. In 2005, she starred as Sue Storm in 20th Century Fox’sFantastic Fourand its 2007 sequelFantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer. Disney is preparing for anotherFantastic Fourfilm, but a possible cast has not been announced. Alba most recently starred onL.A.’s Finest, opposite Gabrielle Union. The action comedy series about two female detectives was canceled after two seasons.
Regarding why change and diversity is so important in the film industry, Alba said:
“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.”
Related:Friends Co-Creator Addresses Criticism of the Series Lack of Diversity
Marvel Films and Diversity
In recent years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made strides in improving character diversity in their films, most notably with the 2018 release ofBlack Panther. Considered the MCU’s best film by many critics, Black Panther earned the first Academy Award nomination for best picture by a superhero film, along with six other nominations. The film received Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design.Black Panthergrossed over $1.3 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing film directed by a Black filmmaker. A sequel,Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is scheduled for release June 06, 2025, while a television series set in Wakanda is in development for Disney+.
In 2021, the release ofShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsbecamethe first Marvel Studios film with an Asian director and a predominantly Asian cast. The MCU also recently welcomed its first on-screen Muslim LGBTQ superhero, Ms. Marvel.
Next year’s Spider-Man spinoffMadame Web, starring Dakota Johnson, is centered around a female character, while Bad Bunny is set to star as a young Mexican superhero in the upcoming filmEl Muerto.
