Marvel Should Not Cast UFC Champion Ronda Rousey For ‘Captain Marvel’ Just Because She’s Lobbying For It

Earlier this month, devoted followers in the Armbar Nation were ecstatic to learn Ronda Rousey desired to play the character of Carol Danvers in the upcoming 2018 Marvel Entertainment movie, Captain Marvel. As a result, many fans, who have artistic talent, helped build hype for “Rowdy” as Danvers, creating fan art of her as Ms. Marvel or Captain Marvel. Much of the fan art was so well-done, Rousey herself used them as a means to lobby for the role to Marvel Entertainment.

Though I agree Ronda Rousey surely has the look of Carol Danvers as either Ms. Marvel or Captain Marvel, I cannot side with the majority of the Armbar Nation in giving the role to Rousey just because she’s lobbying for it. The overall reason is that Rousey has not yet been tested when it comes to acting in a movie of this proportion, especially a lead role.

Before I present my case, please note this isn’t an attack against Ronda Rousey herself per se. I believe she is one of the best female fighters in MMA, let alone in any sanctioned combat sport. As for her roles in movies, I like them too. Expendables 3 and Furious 7 were enjoying to watch. As for Entourage, I have seen the parts with Rousey in them, finding them to be satisfactory.

Unfortunately, Ronda Rousey’s abilities in the Octagon and portrayal in action roles does not account to overall acting. I know that will anger many Rousey fans, but if one were to think about it, all her roles are one-dimensional. Expendables 3: tough girl. Furious 7: tough girl. Finally in Entourage, she played herself therefore she played a tough girl. Such roles don’t truly test or push Ronda Rousey’s acting ability. Ergo, we don’t know if she can act outside of being just a “tough girl.”

Captain Marvel — though a film centered on a character who is a “tough girl” — is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Therefore, the actors who play characters, especially the leads, are expected to be diverse and flexible in their acting because their films are most than just action and explosions. As a matter of fact, the most memorable scenes in most Marvel Cinematic Universe films are the ones that show the characters in their everyday lives. My personal favorite is when Pepper Potts assists Tony Stark with his arc reactor in Iron Man.

Putting Marvel movies aside, it should also be noted that Ronda Rousey has never played a main role before. Every role she had in her past films have been either supporting (Expendables 3) or cameo (Furious 7, Entourage). Rousey needs to be tested with that main role grind just to see if she can carry the movie on her shoulders and deliver something the general public is willing to watch. Thankfully, she will be tested playing as the female lead in upcoming movie Mile 22, co-starring alongside Mark Wahlberg. Even if her role in it is that of a “tough girl,” at least we’ll know if she can hack it playing a main role.

In conclusion, the only reason why I am not in agreement that Ronda Rousey should be given the role of Carol Danvers is because we don’t know if she can act outside of what she’s done. Nevertheless, if Rousey believes she deserves to play Danvers, she can prove it by showing up at open auditions for the role and proving she has the acting chops to do so.

On the other hand, Ronda Rousey may not even get the chance if certain Marvel Cinematic Universe rumors are true. According to Screen Rant, Carol Danvers has already been cast secretly. This makes sense given the fact that in the comic books, Danvers joins the Guardians of the Galaxy. Filming for the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy, which is officially known as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, begins this coming March or April. Looks like “Rowdy” needs to find another Marvel character to lobby.

[Featured Image via Getty, Post Image via Ronda Rousey’s Instagram]