Over the last few years, there has continued to be a growing call for diversity throughout films. There is not only a call for better representation when it comes to female talent in the industry, but better representation of the current world with race and sexuality. Smaller films have begun to meet the need for this, especially recently with Moonlight - a movie with a gay, black lead that won Best Picture - Hidden Figures, and even Get Out helping to bring better diversity to the screen. But the real change will be once bigger franchises catch up.

One of the biggest franchises currently ongoing is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel Studios is working to meet these standards with Black Panther and Captain Marvel set to debut in the coming years, but that should only be the beginning. If Marvel is serious about better representing the world as it currently exists, introducing more heroes of color, female heroes, and their first openly LGBTQ character should be priorities. It just so happens that America Chavez checks all of these boxes, and if they want to bring her to life, Gina Rodriguez is already vying for the role.

The Jane the Virgin star was a panelist on the Hacking the Script: Disrupting Diversity in Hollywood panel at SXSW this past weekend, alongside Doctor Strange scribe Jon Spaihts. During the panel she expressed her love for the film and the MCU at large. Given the panel's topic, Geeks of Color asked her afterward if she had heard of America Chavez. Not only does she know who she is, but Geeks of Color says she "jumped with excitement" upon the character's mention and revealed her manager already has been told to seek out an audition for the role should Marvel begin looking for an actress.

Miss America Chavez Marvel Comic

This does not appear the typical case of an actor wanting to join a successful franchise largely because it sounds as though Rodriguez has already done her homework. During the conversation, she reportedly mentioned Gabby Rivera by name, who is currently writing the character's recently launched solo run. In the past, Marvel has brought certain characters to the forefront in the comics and other media to get fans more familiar with them right as they are gearing up for a big screen debut. With America #1 dropping just two weeks ago, behind-the-scenes wheels could already be turning to bring her to life.

If America Chavez is going to join the MCU, Rodriguez would be a terrific choice. Not only is she clearly passionate about the character, but also about the issues for which she stands. Jane the Virgin has been her breakout role to this point, but she also recently played a big role in Deepwater Horizon. Making the jump to superheroine is not out of the question for her, and this role could be perfect her.

Chavez is an ultra-powerful hero in the comics that comes from an alternate dimension. Introducing her with this lore could get extremely tricky while trying to keep the MCU somewhat grounded in reality, but with connections to Young Avengers, A-Force, the Ultimates, and more, she could be an exciting addition heading into Phase 4. While fans will have to wait and see whether or not Marvel plans to bring the character to life, at least now they have a great potential first choice for the role.

Next: Is Marvel Done With Standalone Superhero Movies?

Source: Geeks of Color

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