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Ariana DeBose keeps the door open for Marvel, reveals what attracts her to superheroes
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Ariana DeBose keeps the door open for Marvel, reveals what attracts her to superheroes(Image Credit: Instagram)
Ariana DeBose may have already stepped into the world of comic-book characters, but the actor is not ruling out the possibility of taking on a superhero role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While she has not confirmed any upcoming association with Marvel Studios, DeBose has expressed interest in the idea, describing the experience of playing a character with extraordinary abilities as something that could be exciting.In conversation with Variety India, the Oscar-winning actor reflected on her interest in superhero stories and explained that she does not consider herself a particularly devoted Marvel fan. However, the possibility of portraying someone with unusual powers has always sounded appealing to her.“A long time ago, I would say it was. I don’t want to say that I’m like a super Marvel fan, because I think there are fans that really know every kernel of the world,” DeBose said. “But the idea of being a superhero, being someone with extra, extra skills, whether that be strength, or you can disappear in a flash or something like that, does sound fun.”She also explained that superheroes appeal to her because of the possibilities their abilities create. For DeBose, the idea is not simply about having extraordinary powers but also about using them for a meaningful purpose.“I always felt like superheroes could do and be anything, and hopefully, they’re using their powers for good. It’s a nice notion. You never say never, put it that way,” she added.
Ariana DeBose’s connection to the Marvel universe through ‘Kraven the Hunter
‘
DeBose has already played a character from the wider Marvel comics universe in Sony’s ‘Kraven the Hunter’. She portrayed Calypso, a voodoo priestess and ally of Kraven, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. However, the film is part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe and is separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.Although the actor has not announced any plans to join an MCU project, her latest comments leave the possibility open. A future superhero role would also give audiences another opportunity to see her explore a different kind of character.
Why ‘Exoplanet’
gave Ariana DeBose a new creative challenge?
Away from superhero discussions, DeBose has taken on a different kind of genre project with ‘Exoplanet,’ an Audible Original written by Benjamin Percy and executive produced by Andy Weir. The science-fiction thriller features DeBose as Becca Bang, the First Officer aboard a spacecraft called Wild Blue Yonder.The story follows the surviving crew after a quantum anomaly scatters them across different eras on the same planet. Becca finds herself stranded in a hostile alien past, making the audio production an adventure that unfolds entirely through sound and performances.For DeBose, the project offered a chance to move beyond the kind of work audiences had come to associate with her, particularly following her Academy Award win for ‘West Side Story’. She explained that exploring different creative formats is important to her.“I love that I don’t keep myself bound to a box. Creativity is creativity, and post winning an Oscar and having a shiny moment in the sun, I really try to expand my horizons. I don’t like to do the same thing twice,” she shared during her conversation with Variety India.
Ariana DeBose explains why voicing a character was challenging
The actor also admitted that taking on a voice-only role initially felt intimidating. Unlike a traditional screen performance, an audio drama requires performers to communicate emotions, atmosphere and character development without relying on facial expressions or physical action.“Coming to an opportunity like ‘Exoplanet,’ I was a little afraid of it because telling a story literally just with your voice is exceptionally challenging. So I knew I needed to do it. I’m a fan of Audible, so it felt like the right time to take on this challenge with a wonderful script,” DeBose said.
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The original story and the people attached to the project further strengthened her interest. The production also features Anthony Mackie and John Leguizamo, making it an opportunity to work alongside familiar names in the entertainment industry.“Benjamin Percy wrote something that is completely original. It’s not a prequel or a sequel; it’s a world that stands on its own in the sci-fi universe. And when they told me who else was involved – John Leguizamo and Anthony Mackie – it was a very easy yes,” she added.’Exoplanet’ launched on Audible in India on November 5, 2026, bringing DeBose’s voice performance to listeners in a science-fiction story that allowed her to explore a new side of her craft.
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