Tessa Thompson Praises Marvel's 'Incredibly Human' Characters

Tessa Thompson says that the MCU's "incredibly human" characters are the backbone of the now $14 billion worth superhero franchise. Debuting during last year's Thor: Ragnarok as one of the remaining Asgardian elite forces called Valkyrie, Thompson is expected to appear in several other Marvel properties down the line like the much-buzzed all-female Marvel ensemble flick that she and her other female co-stars have been pushing for.

However, in order to partake in whatever adventure Kevin Feige and his team cooks up for the franchise's incredible group of women warriors, Thompson's Valkyrie, alongside the rest of the MCU, first needs to survive the next two Avengers sequels that will officially introduce the biggest and baddest villain that our heroes will face, Thanos. Next on the movie series' docket is the first part of the twin spectacles, Avengers: Infinity War now due to hit theaters a week earlier from its initial schedule.

Speaking with ET as she does the press rounds for Ragnarok's home release, the Westworld star talks about what it feels like being included in the massive MCU, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Thompson specifically cited the franchise's impressive handling of characters, making them relatable and grounded despite being superheroes - a brand signature starting with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby wanting to create interesting comic books characters.

"Way, before I was in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, before I dreamt that I ever would be, is that their characters are you know, in epic proportion... These superheroes, these god-like characters and also meanwhile, incredibly human. I've always felt that the strength of Marvel films are not just, you know, the action sequences which of course we love as audience members, but really dynamically that action that happens between these characters. Their friendships, their love stories, their loss. I think those are the things that really tug on your heart and make you compel to really follow characters on their journeys. So I think the same will be true in Avengers: Infinity War. And the truth is the same will be true throughout Phase 4 'cause that's what Marvel does best."

Thompson's comments are not without merit. A recent study this year aiming to dissect the difference between the MCU and the DC Films Universe resulted in people responding to character interactions and banter on the former more than the latter (the sample size was more enamored by DC's action sequences though). This is the reason why despite a couple of missteps in the franchise, fans continue to watch Marvel movies because they are already invested in the likes of Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Thor and Steve Rogers that they want to see what the future lies for them. It's also why Infinity War will have the emotional weight given that it could be the final chapter of some of these heroes.

It's still uncertain if Valkyrie will join Earth's Mightiest Heroes against their upcoming fight with Thanos. While the actor promised that fans will feel "galvanized" after seeing Infinity War, she manages to elude commenting about her involvement in the upcoming film. The movie is already stacked with several dozens of characters that will share the more than two-hour runtime, so including her in it might not be the most brilliant idea. But considering that the Avengers will need all the help they can get in battling the Mad Titan, a highly skilled warrior like Valkyrie will be very useful. Hopefully, we at least learn what happens to her and the rest of the Asgardians aboard the refugee ship during the mid-credits scene of Ragnarok.

MORE: Mark Millar Offers His Opinion On Why the MCU Works & the DCEU Doesn’t

Thor: Ragnarok is already available on Digital. It comes to 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on March 6.

Source: ET