Misogynistic Marvel Fans Asked Why Brie Larson Wasn't Smiling As Captain Marvel, and She Responded in a Heroic Way
It's been years since the movie came out, but the sexist trolls are still salty.
Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel debut should have been a straightforward superhero milestone, but the internet had other plans. Instead of focusing on the movie’s success, a loud corner of Marvel fandom fixated on her expression, her attitude, and whether she looked “friendly” enough for the role.
The backlash grew fast after the trailer dropped, with critics online complaining that Larson was too stoic and that Captain Marvel should smile more. The reaction said more about the people posting than the character on screen, and Larson’s response only made the moment more memorable.
What followed turned a petty complaint into a full-on internet pile-on, and Larson answered it in a way fans still talk about today.
This is the thumbnail for the movie's trailer, featuring Captain Marvel's unsmiling face front and center.
Screenshot from Youtube Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel - Official TrailerThey even blamed her for Nick Fury not participating in the film (Samuel L. Jackson was, in fact, in the movie).
Javon SwintWhy is this superhero so serious when all she had to do was save the world from an alien invasion?
Brett R. Smith
She'd be prettier if she smiled.
Major Turtle
They were so mad about her not smiling that they "fixed" it.
Turd Flinging Monkey
Yes, yes, that is so much better and not at all creepy.
unknown
Smiling as you plummet into the void, Ms. Mar-Vell.
unknown
See how much prettier you are when you smile?
unknown
The trolling only got louder from there.
When Brie Larson herself got wind of the ridiculous tweets, she responded, and fans were quick to notice.
Geeks of Color
Captain America was not smiling either; why not "fix" it too?
brielarson
The only thing missing from Iron Man was this beautiful smile.
brielarson
The Sorcerer Supreme would have charmed Dormammu with those pearly whites.
brielarson
That clapback opened the door for even more jokes from supporters.
It’s giving the same “you chose your plan, now deal with the fallout” energy as the friend who got mad after their cat-sitting plan got replaced by hiking.
In support of Brie Larson's clapback, other fans joined in on the fun.
David Chen
That's a commercial waiting to happen right there.
David Chen
That's a smile worthy of a billionaire superhero.
David Chen
He was frozen for 66 years with that smile on his face.
David Chen
I can definitely see Fury and Black Widow sporting those friendly grins.
unknown
Who can forget Thanos's friendly smile before he snapped half of the population?
Shinji Schneider
Smile, you genocidal maniac! You would have your own spin-off if you smiled more and brought sandwiches.
Shinji Schneider
Agent Carter would have fallen in love faster with this look.
@heymermaid
See? He stayed positive during those big fights. Soooo handsome.
unknown
Perfect!
@xaboteur
It's only fair if all the heroes smiled for their close-up.
unknown
Black Panther was smiling widely under that vibranium mask.
unknown
Their happy faces would light up the darkest of worlds.
unknown
The Lord of Thunder would smile every time he summoned Mjolnir; this is a proven fact.
unknown
His face when he saw The Hulk.
@itsdougjam
Who can forget Fury's signature playful face?
unknown
Ah yes, Wolverine's fighting stance is not complete without his toothy smile.
unknown
That's how he encouraged the troops!
@_murphamy
Good God, that's attractive!
dilillicious
Don't forget to smile before watching the Captain Marvel official trailer!
These types of "fans" think that women, even superhero women, exist for their pleasure. They're probably expecting her to show up in skimpy armor with a warm apple pie in her hand.
Captain Marvel won't be playing to your fantasies, people. She's a superhero, not someone you can dictate to.
Take it up with Fury if you have a problem with it and see if he smiles at you. We do wonder if they could get away with saying this if Brie Larson were in front of them? We'd love to see that!
Want more “why are they focused on her body” outrage? Read about Kiana James’ wardrobe mishap during a live WWE event.
