Before I begin accusing any massively successful film of anything, let me first start off by saying, without any doubt, The Avengers has so far been my favorite film of the year. Maybe critically it wasn’t the best, but for sheer awesomeness and fun factor, it is the film I will probably remember most from 2012, though there are many exciting films still to come (Django Unchained anyone?).
But, and here’s the thing, was it just me or was The Avengers arguably a little racist? Now the character’s dialogue wasn’t racist or anything, and this is a criticism that can be made of most superhero films, TV programs and comics, but out of the six main, key characters in that film (Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, The Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye), not one of them was black. In fact, all of them were so very very white. OK, OK, so Nick Fury is kind of The Avengers’ leader, but Samuel L. Jackson was seriously lacking from this film and didn’t do much kick-ass stuff.
Baring in mind that the first Captain America comic was in 1941, not a black (or any race other than white) friendly time to live in America, or the Western world, it isn’t difficult to see why comics are mostly centered on white characters. Considering the outcry when Idris Elba was cast as the normally white Heimdall in the movie version of Thor, it also isn’t difficult to see why, even in this day and age, movie directors are frightened about including non-white characters.
But come on guys, I hate saying this next phrase, but this is the 21st century. Isn’t it time we all grew out of this? This isn’t the 1940’s anymore, and let’s be at least thankful for that.
Black superheroes have already proven they can be successful on the big screen, for example the Blade films, so I don’t know why movie producers should be that frightened of adding more racially diverse movie characters.
Joss Whedon (who is my favorite person ever), the director and writer of The Avengers, doesn’t have the BEST history of including diverse characters in his television shows, but at least, post-Season 6 of Buffy, at least one black character has appeared as a central character in all of his television shows (Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Dollhouse). Let’s just put it this way, he isn’t the person with the worst history of excluding characters based on their race.
The Avengers 2 and 3 NEED more racially diverse characters in these films, or people will start accusing them of racism, and there are plenty of awesome characters out there for them to pick from.
Here are my top five racially diverse characters I’d most like to see in any Avengers sequel. And don’t worry, for any of you that read and enjoyed my previous post (5 Female Avengers We Don’t Want To See), women do feature in this list, and also none of these choices are characters already confirmed for any Marvel film.
5. Rage
Rage (Elvin Daryl Haliday) is an African American member of The Avengers.
At the age of 13, he was exposed to toxic waste (that old trick, don’t try this at home) during basketball practice , causing his strength to grow, becoming invulnerable. In his 30’s, he used his powers for good and became the superhero, Rage.
One of, but certainly not the first black Avenger, his inclusion in any upcoming Avengers sequel would be particularly fitting for the current roster considering he originally got into the team after confronting Captain America for The Avengers’ lack of any black characters at the current time. He is later accepted into the team and trained by Captain America himself. This would certainly be an easy way to introduce him into the current films and will give Captain America something to do as he adjusts to living in a new time period.
However, the downsides to this character are the fact that his powers are fairly boring and don’t add really anything new to the current line-up. He is also a lot less well-known than a lot of the other characters on this list.
Also arguably he could be considered a little like a stereotypical African American (his love of basketball for example), however I don’t see this as being a problem, though maybe the name, Rage may add to the unfair and incorrect media representation of African Americans to be violent and menaces to society (a stereotype not based in fact, mostly just prejudice).
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56 Comments
Yes! And we need more eskimos in Batman movies!
The sequels needs characters picked on screen potential, not colour, that’d just be racist. ;)
Maybe, but Black Panther has SO MUCH screen potential!!!
I reckon we will see Luke cage and Black Panther very soon- the latter before the former, either before or after Dr. Strange and Ms. Marvel.
I agree… I would be very shocked if Black Panther didn’t make an appearance. But then I again, I was shocked when they announced Guardians of the Galaxy over a Black Panther movie.
Thanks for reading
Don’t forget, we already know we’re getting the Condor in the second Captain America movie. I’d be more positive of him as an addition to the Avengers team before either Cage or T’challa.
*the Falcon…sorry it’s early.
Like War Machine in Iron Man 2, I doubt very much that we will see any sidekicks appear in the Avengers films as full members of the team. Plus, the actor playing him isn’t particularly all that well known to stand side by side with the others… but you never know. It could very well happen. I’m still hoping they are trying there best to include Black Panther sometime in the future.
It would be good to see the both of them appear in the Avengers sequels (but what’s the likely hood of that happening… prove me wrong Marvel)… however, the Avengers, with the inclusion of Ant Man (and probably The Wasp) is becoming a little overcrowded now, and someone will have to die or leave probably to get any of these characters as part of the team.
I wouldn’t doubt it if Marvel had big plans for the Black Panther later on. Hell, it might coincide with the death of Captain America in a civil war take on the Avengers universe. And there is the danger that the Marvel film universe will become unreasonably over-populated, but if it’s done correctly it could mean a Bond-ish level of movies (and as a Marvel fan I would totally eat that up).
Speaking of which, how about an article speculating on how great (or awful) it would be if fox and sony gave up their character rights to Marvel Studios?
Interesting idea for an article. I am all out of steam currently (and think I’ve written enough superhero articles for one week). You could always write the article yourself. You seem to know loads about comics an appear to be a very good writer. If you don’t already write for WhatCulture, it’s easier than you think.
Thanks for the constantly mature and thoughtful replies. Much appreciated considering the amount of idiots who post comments on these message boards.
Thanks Daniel, I might do just that.
The question: Black Panther – Idris Elba or Djimon Hounsou?
Great article. There are a lot of Batman similarities with BP. Even the herb thing is like Nolan’s ‘fear’ plant. It shouldn’t matter though, it’d still work.
I’d prefer to see Djimon Hounsou in the role over Idris Elba (even if he wasn’t already in Thor).
So he is! Damn . . . Either of them would make an awesome black panther but I was leaning toward Elba myself.
Ha. Yes, he wouldn’t be too bad if he were avaliable… but he isn’t, and Hounsou would be perfect. I’ve written an article that will appear tomorrow featuring this very topic.
It would be good if you could read it and give me your opinions?
Thanks for liking this article. It’s very much appreciated.
Djimon Hounsou all the way. I couldn’t imagine a greater Black Panther.
Blade has always been my favourite onscreen comic book character, now that Marvel Studios have the rights back to the character, I’d love to see them reimagine him. As long as they don’t Twilight the whole vampire aspect up! Wesley Snipes is iconic in the role but I’m open to a reboot with a new actor. I enjoyed his potrayal in the short lived TV series and Snipes didn’t play him there. Unfortunately, I fear it may be a long time before I get to see Blade on the big screen again if Marvel Studios are only releasing two movies a year. I can’t imagine him joining The Avengers roster with his concern being exclusively hunting vampires (unless they used a vampire villain like Morbius, but that seems unlikely. Even setting aside the issue of whether his rights lie with the Spider-man franchise or not). Also, with Disney now owning Marvel, I worry that Blade may be judged too dark and violent. That being said, they may be wise to remember that Blade helped re-ignite the comic book movie genre and that his franchise brought in a significant amount of cash.
I love Blade as a character and really love the first two Blade films. I think it would be a huge mistake to include him in any Avengers related film however because I’m pretty sure vampires shouldn’t really exist in this Avengers universe. (Also, Joss Whedon would be accused of trying to make his films too much like Buffy no doubt).
It would be great if they rebooted the Blade films though (although the first one was pretty perfect in my opinion).
Though Black Panther apparently isn’t going to be appearing in Marvel’s next run of movies he could easily appear in a cameo that leads to his own movie. It would be wonderful to see him infiltrating the Avengers headquarters to test their mettle or even just to see what became of the vibranium that made cap’s shield. Even a small appearance, if mysterious enough, would be a great lead-in to his own film.
Definitely. I really hope something like this happens either in Iron Man 3 (or the other sequels) or Avengers 2, so that in Marvel Phase 3 we can have a Black Panther movie. Then maybe, if Marvel continues to make films like they have been doing leading up to Avengers sequels, and there is an Avengers 4, 5 and 6 (I don’t see why they wouldn’t do this, they are making a lot of money with this plan already), Black Panther could eventually lead the next line up of Avengers.
Also, totally agree about Rage. He was never a favorite of mine but still, introducing your first black Avengers and having it be a literally angry black man seems a tad offensive.
There is plenty of diversity in the MCU films as a whole.
Iron Man has his best friend Rodey.
Thor has Sif and the Warriors Three.
Captain America had his Howling Commandos.
The issue with all of these is that they are support characters not the main characters. All of the characters that you have suggested, even if they were added to the Avengers, would be support characters for the big four.
Only if Marvel made them supporting characters. I don’t consider there to be any main Avenger in the current line up, and certainly, if Black Panther was included, he certainly wouldn’t be a supporting character for the big four.
My prediction is that in Avengers 3, Iron Man will die (if not Iron Man, one of the main Avengers- Joss Whedon loves to kill off his characters). I think Black Panther would be the perfect Avenger to take over his place (if they make a 4)… and therefore he should, in my opinion, be featured heavily in at least The Avengers 3.
Interesting theory Daniel.
BP is the most well known characters out of your list, but that doesn’t put him on the same level as Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America. He is probably not even as well known as Ant-Man, who has a film in development.
Losing Iron Man (their dependable bread winner) would be a big hit to the MCU. I think they would avoid that if possible. More likely is Steve Rogers dying with Bucky taking his place like in the comics.
No, sure… he isn’t as well known as the others. But a film would certainly make him very well known, and I would say he probably is just about as well known as Ant Man.
Losing Iron Man would be a big hit your are right, but Whedon loves big hits (that is, if he returns for 3, which is unlikely but not impossible). I’m just not sure Robert Downey Jr, who has been part of the films for the longest time could really be bothered to return after a third Avengers film… especially considering Paltrow won’t return after Avengers 2. That said, I only imagine that each of the characters will want to do 3 of their own films and 3 Avengers films (some may be convinced to cameo in a potential Avengers 4, 5 and 6… but Chris Evans certainly won’t)
Since it’s not a racial question but a financial question i’d say no, it’s not racist.
I’ll be a little judgemental here, but is it impossible for you to do a little research and draw a little more logical conclution?
Thor, Cap and Iron Man is the most popular of the heroes ( not owned by sony etc), they were chosen partly becuase they had a better potential to sell the movie overseas.
I’m not a grand comic expert, a decent one perhaps, but still have a lot left to learn, and untill this movie was in the making i hadn’t even heard about Black Panther or Cage.
And if that’s my case, what is it like for those who hardley or never reeds comic books?
That is what I partly drove the desicions in the making of this film, if you start with lesser known charakters you’ll draw the fanbase and some open minded people (like me), but the broad audians might not be so compelled, and due to the costs of a movie like this, the broad audience is important.
So here’s the pobable thinking: Use the popular charakters to ensire success, build on it and the introduse the lesser known charakters, (trust me, i’m from sweden and you can’t find any comic about black panther etc anywhere i know about, not even on conventions.)
Now for the konstruktive theory, in the comics Black Panther joined avengers on a later stage, his movie isn’t far away, a referens to his country is made in Captain America, vibranium exists only in wakanda.
The cartoon used the storyline that he needed help to take back his tribe from Man-Ape, it’s a good story but it would require the team to be assembled, just cramming him in there int first movie would have felt rushed.
Cage is a hero for hire, again a charakter you just can’t cram in there. Something triggeredchis idea to use his powers in that manner, iron mans actions could be that trigger, or the actions in The Avengers could have triggered it.
The storytelling and buildup has been very organic so far, and i hope they keep that up.
I’m eagerly waiting for the black panther movie, and after in this article been introdused to her, would love to se a Photon movie aswell.
You came up eith good points, and the list was intruiging and efucational for me, but stop jumping on the “racist waggon” and be a little more origonal.
Plus, he might not have superpowers (but neither does Stark) but what skincolor does Nick Fury have in these movies?
In Iron Man 2 we have War Machine, and Falcon is going to be in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
So any racist speculation is rubbish, and quite frankly really ignorant and stupid.
Thanks for reading this but I have to disagree with many of your points. First of all, I was hardly jumping on the “racist bandwagon” (a phrase white people like to use when any one even suggests racism), I was saying that, now the more well known Avengers have been introduced, it’s time to introduce non-white characters (these are the Earths Mightiest Heroes after all, emphasis on Earths!!!) or The Avengers could very easily be accused of racism.
Secondly, Black Panther is a MASSIVELY famous comic book character, much more so than the Guardians of the Galaxy and they are getting a film… he is probably also as famous as Ant Man… and again, Ant Man and probably Wasp (White Anglo Saxon Protestant… merely a coincidence???) are getting there own film.
People just have to accept that comics that began in the 40′s, 50′s and 60′s were obviously racist because of that time period… and we have to do something to change this fact.
Sidekicks, though great, aren’t really the same thing as a leading black superhero. There are too many white male straight superheroes now and frankly it’s getting quite repetitive and boring.
I’m sorry if you disagree, but then again you are probably white and havent really considered in depth what inclusion of a super cool black character in the third highest grossing film of all time would do to black children all around the country.
I think its rich you calling me really ignorant and stupid, when you clearly haven’t thought through your argument in much depth at all. I bet you were one of the people who were angry when Idris Elba was cast in Thor.
Any way, I do appreciate your response and even your difference of opinion (and I certainly won’t call you racist because I don’t know you and I don’t think you are) but obviously racist speculation is not rubbish, if you consider the history and lack of black superheroes leading there own films.
And again, if you read my article, I wasn’t really saying The Avengers was racist.
Totally agree here. I mean no offense FilmKaga but I think you’re gathering too much info from the short lived BET cartoon and not enough from the comics. Daniel is right, Black Panther is a MAJOR star from the Avengers even in early days. Surely, he did join up later in the line-up but he was still an essential part of the group and leader for a while.
Lastly, I don’t think there’s any racist bandwagon going on, it’s just very apparent that the Avengers as they exist include few women and zero minorities. I think few people are calling that racist but it would be nice to see some super-hero role models that aren’t white men. It’s not a judgement call it’s just trying to reach out to a audience that may feel their being unrepresented.
–Written after six whiskey shots, hope I did ok on grammar –
Thanks for this. It’s nice to see someone with some common sense.
Oh good lord people. Read a comic book. The movie version is staying true to the original characters. And it’s no surprise at the characters they do pick. They were the most popular. It only makes sense to put them in it. The others are somewhat less known and therefore lessof a box office draw. Think logically, quit trying to see color and race relations in everything. That would appear to be racist more so than a simple movie.
Firstly, the reason they are the most popular is because they have been around for the longest, have the most comic books, and because they are white. All of those reasons are arguably racist to some degree, and you can’t argue that comic books don’t have a history of racism (understandable because they were mostly created in hugely racist decades). The fact alone that the Black Panther had to be called “Black” Panther in it’s self is arguably racist isn’t it?
I understand why they havn’t been included, because society is still racist to a level, and unfortunately, black characters leading there own films could very well perform less well at the box office (though again, doesn’t this fact just show how racist film and society still is).
I’m not accusing The Avengers of being racist in terms of dialogue etc., but a lack of inclusion in any future films (or at the very least, make sure Nick Fury has a larger part to play)… and then accusations will happen and probably should happen.
Marvel is making “The Guardians of the Galaxy” to establish their cosmic characters and set up Thanos for either Avengers 2 or a phase 3 Infinity Gauntlet adaptation. A Black Panther movie for Marvel’s phase 2 wouldn’t do that. Luke Cage has also been a much more prominent figure in the Marvel U than you make him out to be. He took turns leading the New Avengers and the Thunderbolts. I believe racism excists in many forms and media, but it’s seems like you’re looking for it here more than noticing it.
Yes, but the Avengers 2 didn’t have to feature Thanos… it seems they put him partly in there just so they could make a Guaridans of The Galaxy movie which no one was asking for and pretty much no one has ever heard of (i do think it will be a great film though).
Come on… racism clearly exists to some degree in this film. The lack of any non white superheroes in the main Avengers team is proof enough. And racism exists A LOT in the Marvel comic book history… at least in the past any way. All I’m really saying is that though The Avengers got away with it, if they don’t include a black (or a non-white character soon) people will start accusing them of being racist and they will be right to do so.
Gotta go with John on this one to certain degree. I do think that any infinity series will be ages away (we’re lacking key characters). That being said I understand that Marvel has traded somethings in exchange for the film rights to Silver Surfer so an Infinity series may be in the cards.
Marvel’s always been about the cosmic scale and Guardians of the Galaxy may be their intro to that. It would provide an easy way to bring in characters like Ms. Marvel and Captain Mar-vell (I’m sure they’ll fix that name snaffu in the title when it comes out…you know call him something more realistic…like, Captain Planet) without too much disconnect from their current film universe.
Why not make them all black, isn’t it enough that they made Nick Fury a white comic book character and made him black. What about Hispanic or Asian super heroes?
Completely agree with the Hispanic and Asian super hero comment. I honestly couldn’t think of any Avengers that had been Hispanic or Asian… maybe I’m being silly. Please… suggest some for me. Also, bare in mind that all the characters in this list had been Avengers at some point in history.
And no, I don’t think it is enough that they made Nick Fury black (especially considering he is actually black in many of the comics). I wouldn’t have been apposed to a black Captain America, Hawkeye, or Iron Man personally. Each to there own though.
The Ultimate Marvel version of Wasp is Asian.
Did not know this… do not read all the comics especially not Ultimate’s.
Thanks for this though.
Don’t forget that the incarnation of Fury that is in the movies began in the comics based off of SLJ, that was no coincidence. Hell, a few characters have switched races or genders at different points. Including such iconic heroes as the Punisher ( totally true, look it up ). In a universe where Jean Grey comes back to life four times it really shouldn’t be an issue to change someones race.
But then again, does anyone remember the stink after they killed off Peter Parker and replaced him with a half latino half black kid in the Ultimates universe? I’ve never seen so many people who’ve never given a fart about comics get so angry about a change in them.
This article is probably the most racist thing I’ve seen for a long time.
Ha Ha. Alright. Give me 5 reasons why and maybe I will listen to you.
This article is terrible. Having diversity for the sake of diversity is just plain stupid. The Avengers were 6 people out of 6 billion. The possibility of them all being white is equally as plausible as them not all being white. This writer needs to go back to whatever school he recently graduated from. What a hack.
You seriously need to get a hobby.
And also, I don’t want diversity for the sake of it. I want it firstly because Black Panther is one of the best Marvel characters, and secondly, because I’m not a racist.
By that logic ( and considering world diversity patterns) all of the Avengers should have been asian.
True this. That guy has absolutely zero logic and clearly knows very little about the world. If the Avengers were 6 randomly picked people from the now 7 billion people on earth, they certainly wouldn’t all be white… And no where in the article did I say none of them should be white (though I wouldn’t care that much if they weren’t) all they should all be one colour.
*or did I say they should be all one colour is what I meant to say.
To all people offended by this article, and who wrongly think it is racist…
Why is suggesting racism always met with accusations of being racist? Why can no one accept that maybe there racism problems with the world, especially with Hollywood (which, if you do your research, there really really are). I think the truth of the matter is, to all those who are wrongly offended, that you are just so scared of being called racist or liking something that is arguably racist, because you know deep down, that you probably are yourselves somewhat racist.
I really wish people would just stop being so stupid. 6 white main characters in a film, with no one who is of another race, or sexuality, and only one woman, is not only non-representative of the earth (these are supposed to be “Earths” mightiest heroes after all) but yes… so clearly somewhat racist, sexist, and homophobic (the latter less so but still arguably).
Please, before you comment on here, do your research, and don’t give such a typical, ignorant and uninformed response. The world is not perfect, and pretending it is isn’t going to get us anywhere.
I’m black and I grew up on Marvel comets, It is what it is don’t try to change it now. I would love to see the Black Panther because I like him. Please don’t make this a race issue; we just want good Marvel movies that don’t stray from the original. You have to star with the main heroes than add the others later
I wasn’t really trying to make this a race issue, I was just pointing out the obvious racial history of the comic book genre. Nothing personally at The Avengers or any thing (like I said, it was my favorite film of the year directed by my favorite television creator of all time).
And, although people keep on commenting on this, I never said not to start off with the more well known characters to build the film brand, but now that they are there, I personally don’t see why they decided to make an Ant Man movie and a Guardians of The Galaxy movie before a Black Panther movie which many many mnay people have been requesting for years. Who has been requesting a Guardians of the Galaxy movie (no one, but we are getting it any way).
And a Black Panther movie wouldn’t at all stray from the original… Black Panther was a member a whole 5 years before Black Widow was.
I really appreciate your point of you on this, but saying it is what it is and don’t try to change it now is such a defeatist attitude, and if everyone thought like that we would still be living in a world with bery 1940′s politics. Change is good, and we should expect to see a positive change in The Avengers series going into the future. It’s not exactly asking for much is it.
As in any form of media, if you open the racial can-o’-worms there’s going to be some fallout. Just stick with it, try not to get offended/write angry responses and have some ice cream (trust me, it helps).
Ha Ha. Yes, ice cream would be good. I will try not to respond to any more comments. Opinions are opinions. Thanks though.
I REALLY want to see the Black Panther movie! Seriously, I could just see Black Panther and Man-Ape fightning in Wakanda and having the high-tech ancient city being seen.
Heck, I would also like to see the Ant-Man movie as well, since the visual appeal would be greatly enhanced since most of the time he may be the size of an insect, which will need a lot of work to make it work well.
I would love to see black panther in an avengers flick. Love the article and think you made an interesting point about all the heroes being American (need a much more diverse mix). It would be interesting to not only enjoy the personality clashes that whedon did so well but also cultural ones. Also as a British girl I am so over us always being the villains….
Thank you for this and I completely agree. I’m pretty sure we will eventually see a Black Panther movie… it has been in and out of production for about 12 years, but still never gets made.
I agree, cultural clashes would be an interesting mix to the generation clashes (Captain America and the others) and the different universe clashes (Thor and everyone else). Whedon loves character drama and conflict, so this kind of thing is usually right up his street.
I am also a Brit, but I don’t so much hate the villain stereotype we generally have. With Whedon (and most of Hollywood), we are either the villains, or the intelligent, cultured, wise ones. I am so used to these stereotypes played out in film that I’ve just grown to love a good old British villain… and at least our country is represented… plus, Tom Hiddleston is incredible as Loki and one of my favourite new actors, so who am I to complain.
(Joss Whedon also went to school in England… so this is probably why most of his works at least feature someone from the UK)
Thanks for loving the article… much appreciated.
Now that we’ve seen the possibilities of what can be done, it is time for other characters to step up into the mainstream displaying their depth and talents under their own spotlight: 1) Black Panther T’Challa [as demonstrated by Reginald Hudson in his DVD Cartoon 'The Black Panther'] also “Flags Of Our Fathers [which depicts T'Challa's grandfather and a greener Captain America fighting side by side, with Nick Fury and the Howling Commandos] 2) John Stewart the Green Lantern in a trilogy, highlighting all the strong points which makes him a courageous, and intelligent character. 3) Mr. Terrific 4) Icon 5) Static Shock as a trilogy, from his Milestone Media days all the way through his personal adventures under DC Comics 52. 6) Ultimate Spider Man Miles Morales. So much potential. 7) Nubia & President Super man from the crisis series 8) Hawk Girl from, Earth 2 9) Amanda Waller, the younger version, with a mixture of top Suicide Squad members (i.e. Bronze Tiger, one of the few to beat Batman repeatedly) 10) Batwing both David and Luke. 11) Isaiah Bradly The African Captain America as told in “The Truth: Red, White, & Black” 12) Photon, another good Avenger. Superb powers, with intellect, and leadership skills to back it up. 13) Captain Universe. These Characters will show True Diversity and Progress In the Industry, IF done correctly. That means intriguing screen writing, along side the cgs, FX, and stunt workers; Not to mention proper promotion via (all) media.