“I Have Nothing to Prove to You”: Representation of Women in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Abstract

Marvel in its comics, television programs, and film adaptations has openly addressed problems commonly found in our society. Of these issues, representation of the female gender specifically is something that changed drastically for the superheroines in the Marvel Comics universe. The change and evolution of women’s roles from damsel and love interest to becoming someone’s hero in their own comic series is evident. Many characters have been adapted and changed throughout the various comics over the years since they were created, making the problems they encounter relevant while representing and connecting with women of different race, age and background. However, is this representation of these strong women noticeable with Marvel Comics big screen adaptations? The roles of women in the MCU films are important, as they are portrayed as strong-willed, successful, “badass” women, who are relatable through their flaws. Yet, despite their given strengths, many female characters shown throughout these films still have the tendency to have minor roles, portray stereotypical behaviors of caretakers, objects of affection and desire, and the ever-present “damsel in distress,” despite their amazing abilities and interesting backgrounds shown in both the comics and films. Bringing awareness of these issues is important to all audience members, not only to properly understand and respect these amazing, boundary-breaking characters, but all women in general. For Marvel’s film industry to build more on that would help show both female and male audience members respect and a more balanced representation for those superheroines on the screen with those in real life.

Introduction

Like most other forms of media, Marvel Comics portrayed and represented society’s ideals and issues since its conception in 1939. From the rise of complications of war (WWII, Vietnam, etc.), to issues of prejudice (racism, sexism, etc.), death and addiction, Marvel in its comics, television programs, and film adaptations have openly addressed problems commonly found in our society. Even as times have changed, and society’s’ problems along with it, Marvel has managed to continue updating and portraying character storylines in ways where the characters remain relatable and relevant along with bringing awareness to these reoccurring societal issues.

Of these issues, representation of the female gender specifically is something that changed drastically for the super heroines in the Marvel Comics universe. The change and evolution of women’s roles from damsel and love interest to becoming someone’s hero in their own comic series is evident. Many characters including Black Widow, Scarlet Witch, Ms. Marvel, Spider Woman and She-Hulk have been adapted and changed throughout the various comics over the years since they were created, making the problems they encounter relevant while representing and connecting with women of different race, age and background. However, is this representation of these strong women noticeable with Marvel Comics big screen adaptations?

Iron Man (2008) launched the current era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s film franchise. This storyline, along with the connected sequels that follow, have been adapted to take place in the 21st century, with more modern interpretations of the characters from the comics it’s based on. The roles of women in each of the Iron Man, The Avengers, and Captain America trilogies films are important, as they are portrayed as strong-willed, successful, “badass” women, who are relatable through their flaws. Yet, despite their given strengths, many female characters shown throughout these films, such as Pepper Potts, Black Widow, and Scarlet Witch, still have the tendency to portray stereotypical behaviors of caretakers, objects of affection and desire, and the ever-present “damsel in distress.”

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