Brie Larson is reportedly in talks to play the leading lady in Captain Marvel, which will be the first solo female lead film role to come out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
According to Variety, Brie is at the top of the list to play the superhero, with sources confirming that Brie is the "first choice," and that the actress is "leaning towards playing the part."
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The star won an Oscar for her role in Room
The 26-year-old is at the peak of her career after the moment, having recently won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Room. The star has since been cast in upcoming blockbuster Kong: Skull Island and The Glass Castle.
Although Captain Marvel is due to be released in 2019, Marvels Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed to i09 that they are already on the search for the filmmaker and cast. He said: "[You'll have] a filmmaker and cast by the summer. Maybe before. Maybe after. Filmmaker announcement first."
Brie has previously spoken about taking the role, though admitted she didn't know much about the part. She told MTV: "People want me to play this? OK good to know. I guess I gotta start reading the comic book!"
Fans have praised the potential casting decision
The film will follow female heroine Carol Danvers, who obtains powers including flight, super-strength and a resistance to poison. The character has been described by Mashable as "quite possibly Marvel's mightiest Avenger," and the comic book's dedicated fan base has already been passionately discussing which actress should play Captain Marvel, and seemed particularly enthusiastic upon hearing that Brie might be cast in the role.
One fan wrote: "Brie Larson as Captain Marvel. This is everything I could have asked for and more," while another wrote: "Brie Larson is the front-runner for Captain Marvel? Hell yes. Extremely talented actress who deserved that Oscar win."