And It's Official: Brie Larson Is Captain Marvel

To cap an epic panel that included casts, sizzle reels, trailers, and concept art for a range of films — Black Panther, Thor: Ragnarok, Doctor Strange, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 — Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige called all the stars from the films together for an epic superhero selfie (similar to what Fox did last year with its version of the Marvel universe). But after the various ensembles assembled, he had one more person to trot out: Brie Larson, your new Captain Marvel.

The Oscar-winning Room actress, who was reported to be in negotiations for the role a month ago, was officially confirmed when she arrived onstage in a green gown to a loud ovation. She later tweeted the news.

The Larson casting was one of several revealed during Marvel’s presentation: Danai Gurira, The Walking Dead’s Michonne, was introduced as the latest member of the Black Panther squad, while Sylvester Stallone briefly appeared in the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 trailer.

Larson, who was also making rounds in support of Warner Bros.’ Kong: Skull Island, will play Carol Danvers, a pilot who gains supernatural powers after absorbing alien DNA.

The character, who has had several alter egos in the comics since debuting in 1977 as Ms. Marvel, will be the first female hero to have her own dedicated film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

It’s not known if Larson’s Captain Marvel will first appear in another film (think Black Panther and Spider-Man popping up in Captain America: Civil War) before her solo outing in 2019; perhaps she’ll join the Avengers for the first Infinity War free-for-all, which will be released in May 2018.

Captain Marvel is slated for theaters in March 2019, based on a screenplay by Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Meg LeFauve (Inside Out). No director has been named.