Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige Explains Captain Marvel’s Controversial Twist

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Captain Marvel.

Captain Marvel does have its twists here and there. While most Marvel fans expected Jude Law to play Mar-Vell in Brie Larson's first standalone movie as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's strongest Avenger, fans soon learned that he was playing Yon-Rogg, a rigid Kree military commander who serves as one of Captain Marvel's many foes in the comics.

So who was Mar-Vell? Turns out it was Dr. Wendy Lawson, a gender-swapping version of the hero played by Annette Bening. While some die-hard fans weren't too eager with the gender swap, others enjoyed the exchange.

Now, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige explains why Captain Marvel decided to swap the gender of Mar-Vell. Speaking in a recent press stop for the movie (via Comicbook.com), Feige details the decision, saying that it was important for Carol to have a female mentor and female best friend in the film.

"It was really about the development of this story, and about how best to showcase Carol Danvers growth, and development as a hero," Feige said when he spoke to the press. "And the notion that she had a female best friend, a female mentor, seemed important to us."

According to Feige, having Bening play the character came much later on during the script-writing process when the actress had already been cast.

"[It] was something that was an idea that Anna had as the script is as she and Ryan were doing their pass at their script, and it all sort of fell together," the Marvel producer explained, "Particularly then with Annette Bening being able to play both of those spoilery parts."

For those who aren't familiar with the character, Mar-Vell was originally a Flash Gordon type of superhero who defended the Earth using laser guns and other space techs. Now, in the MCU, Mar-Vell is Wendy Lawson.

Captain Marvel is currently screening in cinemas.

Read: Captain Marvel Art Book Gives Us Carol's Full Armor For Endgame