From Wonder Woman to The Wasp: How female superheroes pack a punch

Female superheroes are clearly having their moment under the sun. What was once thought to be a male bastion — read the superhero universe — is slowly seeing the rise of the leading ladies. The box office reception proves that viewers are ready to see them battle it out alongside the men or even have their own standalone outing. Here are the ones that are making their mark...

THE WASP

Ant-Man And The Wasp, which released on July 13, saw Evangeline Lilly getting as much billing as her male counterpart. Right from a better suit than her partner to fighting the bad guys, she took centre stage this time around. And the enthusiastic reception of her character hints at a bright future for the Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

WONDER  WOMAN

Wonder Woman proved that movies with female superheroes can be massive money-spinners too. The makers portrayed Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) as someone who has great power, but is also vulnerable and emotional. Gal Gadot fit the role perfectly. The impact on popular culture was for everyone to see as pictures of little girls dressing up as Princess Diana of Themyscira flooded the internet post the film’s release.

SCARLET WITCH

After making an appearance in the post-credit scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Elizabeth Olsen, who essayed this part, wreaked havoc in Avengers: Age of Ultron. She possesses the ability to alter reality in unspecified ways and is a powerful sorceress. She joined the team towards the end of the film and has been an important part of the gang since then. 

BLACK WIDOW

Played by Scarlett Johansson, Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff is a deadly assassin and a member of the Avengers team. The character first appeared in Iron Man 2 (2010) and since then has been a part of The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. She will also be seen in the upcoming Avengers 4. Earlier this year, Marvel had confirmed a solo Black Widow film. According to reports, Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland has now been signed to helm the project. 

CAPTAIN MARVEL

The arrival of Captain Marvel is a huge moment for MCU as this will be its first solo female superhero film. The movie is expected to hit the screens on March 8, 2019. Brie Larson, who takes on the role, is also expected to don her superhero suit in the sequel of Avengers: Infinity War, which opens in cinemas next May.

JEAN GREY/PHOENIX

While Mystique and Storm have proved to be major players in the world of mutants, it’s Jean Grey/Phoenix who has our attention at the moment. Sophie Turner will reprise her part as a teenage Grey in Dark Phoenix, which releases in February 2019. Often mentioned to be among the most powerful mutants, she will share screen space with Jennifer Lawrence, who will be seen as Mystique and Jessica Chastain as a shape-shifter.