ActressDeWanda Wisehas been building an impressive body of work over the last few years, appearing in Netflix films such asThe Harder They FallandFatherhood, along with the lead role in the Spike Lee seriesShe’s Gotta Have It. Wise will next be part of one of the summer’s biggest films inJurassic World Dominion, but she was almost part of another massive franchise just a few years ago.
WhenCaptain Marvelwas in pre-production at Marvel Studios,Wise was tappedto Carol Danvers' best friend Maria Rambeau. However, she had todrop outof the role just a few months later due to scheduling conflicts with the second season ofShe’s Gotta Have It.In speaking withGizmodo, Wise reflected on missing out on the $1 billion+ smash hitCaptain Marvel:
“I did not choose to leave. Like, I would never make that choice for myself, that sounds ridiculous. You sign a contract for a TV show and it’s in first position, and that’s just a responsible…you have audience members who are like, ‘I would’ve taken a lawsuit.’ Good for you. I don’t wanna be sued! Not trying to be sued by Spike Lee and Netflix. So, you know, at the time it was very disappointing, and also difficult in that context.”
The role of Maria Rambeau ultimately went to Lashana Lynch, who recently returned to the MCU as an alternate version of Maria inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Lynch’s performance inCaptain Marvelalso catapulted her to another blockbuster franchise, appearing inNo Time to Dieopposite Daniel Craig last year. Wise may have seen that same sort of success had she been able to join the cast ofCaptain Marvel, but she’s still found herself in a major summer tent pole film…which she says may not have happened had she played Maria Rambeau.
RELATED:Jurassic World Dominion Will Feature Openly Bisexual Character
Being in Captain Marvel Would’ve Prevented Wise From Joining Jurassic World Dominion
Wise is playing Kayla Watts inJurassic World Dominion, a fighter pilot that shares some similarities with Maria Rambeau. As the actress told Gizmodo, taking on the role of Maria would have precluded her from joining theJurassic Worldcast:
“Maria was a pilot, and…I don’t repeat performances. So If I had played in Captain Marvel, if I’d already played a pilot, and then Colin [Trevorrow] called me for this and he’s like ‘Guess what? She’s a pilot,’ I would’ve been like ‘I’m so sorry, I don’t believe in capitalism. You’re gonna have to find someone else.’ I just think everything happens in the timing that it’s meant to happen, and I’m very thankful to be here now.”
Jurassic World Dominionis the biggest project Wise has been a part of, and it’s the type of film that can springboard actors and actresses into other high profile work. Wise joins returning members of theJurassic Worldensemble such as Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, along withJurassic Parklegacy actors Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, and Laura Dern. Directed by Colin Trevorrow,Jurassic World: Dominionwill be stomping its way into theaters on June 10.
