Emily Blunt on ‘Captain Marvel’ Role: “Let’s Call Marvel About That Right Now”
On Sunday afternoon, we spoke to Emily Blunt who is promoting her role in Disney’s ‘Into the Woods.’ During this conversation, Blunt referenced her character in this summer’s ‘Edge of Tomorrow,’ comparing that role to what a possible Marvel movie might be. It just so happens, Blunt’s name has been mentioned in Internet buzz as a possible lead in Marvel’s ‘Captain Marvel’ (due in 2018), which would be Marvel’s first movie with a female lead. Has Blunt heard this buzz? As it turns out, she has. And she seems to find that buzz quite flattering, but admits she has had no discussions with Marvel at this time. Here’s that exchange:
Are you aware of the Internet buzz surrounding you playing Captain Marvel?
Somebody told me about it this morning! I knew because my brother told me.
People want you to play Captain Marvel.
Which is kind of amazing.
You were in ‘Looper’ and ‘Edge of Tomorrow,’ you have that cred now.
I know. What’s she like, though? I don’t know anything about her. What’s it like, this character?
She’s great.
Cool. Is she fun? Or is she just like, straight…
No, she’s witty and strong. That’s why people keep bringing your name up. They don’t want a boring actor. A lot of personality.
Oh, cool.
I think people really liked what they saw in ‘Edge of Tomorrow.’
But it’s not the same type of character?
No. It’s weird I’m explaining this to you...
I know. Someone told me this morning, my brother, actually. They call it fan casting?
Yes.
Which is lovely. It’s my favorite kind of casting! I wish it was always like that.
Sometimes fan casting works.
Which would be cool.
Maybe they can make ‘Captain Marvel’ a musical now that you’ve done ‘Into the Woods.’
[Laughs] ‘Captain Musical Marvel.’ Let’s just call Marvel about that right now. We’ll call Kevin Feige about that. “Kevin Feige, we have one hell of an idea.” Yeah.
“Only if it’s a musical will you get your dream casting.”
Exactly.
But in seriousness, it does appeal to you?
I think, it’s always for me, it’s always about—and now, more so—what am I putting out there? What would be interesting for me and what would be interesting for people to see. So, if it’s an awesome part, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Marvel movie or a tiny movie, I’d be up for it.
You’d be a hero for every 10-year-old girl out there right now.
Really? Then that’s huge.
There’s no Marvel female superhero who has her own movie yet.
That’s huge. How awesome. I love this. No one has actually called me about it, so, we’ll hold our breath. [Laughs] I don’t know if I’ll get the call ever if I pitch it should be a musical.
Mike Ryan has written for The Huffington Post, Wired, Vanity Fair, and GQ. He is the senior editor of ScreenCrush. You can contact him directly on Twitter.