Over the past couple of decades, Taraji P. Henson has starred in countless movies and television shows. She’s also been the recipient of more than two dozen awards. We've seen her portray a wide range of characters, including a cop in The Division, a prostitute in Hustle & Flow, a music executive in Empire, and a mathematician in Hidden Figures. But the 46-year-old actress has never played a superhero.
Henson is very much aware of that, and it's something she has on her wish list. She shared her eagerness to play a Marvel Comics superhero during a recent interview with The New York Times:
I would love to be a Marvel superhero. I'm dying to get into some comedy. I think I'm a stronger comedic actress than a dramatic actress. You guys just fell for the drama side.
Last September, although she didn’t specifically mention Marvel, Henson expressed her interest in portraying a superhero during an interview with Entertainment Weekly:
I haven't played a superhero yet, I haven't played a psycho character yet. I want to play a man, like I want to really disappear. I have so much to do.
Marvel Studios is currently making its first standalone movie featuring a black superhero (Black Panther) and its first movie featuring a female superhero (Captain Marvel), so it appears that they’re aware of the need for more diversity in Hollywood. If there are plans to introduce a black female superhero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we’re sure they wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity of casting someone as talented as Henson for the role.
