X-Menstar Alexandra Shipp reflected on her time as Storm while discussing her upcoming film,Asking For It.The actress was very grateful for the opportunity despite the reaction that the movies received. She played Storm inX-Men: Apocalypse,X-Men: Dark Phoenixand had a very small cameo inDeadpool 2.
X-Menis a beloved comic book series that introduced the world to Marvel’s universe of mutants, people born with a genetic mutation that causes what many describe as superpowers. This, of course, becomes a battle over how one looks at it because those who view this mutation as a power may have conflicting views with those who view as a curse or defect.X-Men never strayed awayfrom the political or societal commentary when showing how different groups view these mutations, which many viewed as parallels to the bigotry present in today’s world and throughout history.
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“I loved the experience. I think it was so definitive of my 20s to be part of that,” Shipp reflected while speaking to ComicBookMovie. “I’d never worked on anything so big and to also be able to play not only one of my favorite superheroes growing up, but also reprisinga role Halle Berry playedwas a huge honor.” The actress went on to continue by saying, “In future, I think I’d like to see a woman of darker complexion play Storm…I think it’s about time that we see that representation, and I’m more than happy to see that. I think it would be really great. The little girl in me would really like to see that.”
Shipp (Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B, Straight Outta Compton&Tick, Tick… Boom!)has a very decorated acting resume and is only just getting started. Having already played a superhero, she has checked off an item on the bucket list that many people dream of. Following the Disney and Fox deal, all theX-Menmovies were put on hiatus, with many expecting and wondering howtheX-Menwill enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU). Right now there’s no official confirmation or anything concrete to go off of. Despite all of that, many people online have been working their own lists of fan castings on whom they want to see play each of the famous mutants.
Most actors go the route where they fight to keep the role, the paycheck and the fame. It takes strength to walk away from that and recognize those who don’t have a fair shot. There’s a significant lack of representation for talent of African descent, especially for talent with a darker complexion. Many fans are still fighting forjustice for Ray Fisherfollowing the Warner Bros.' mistreatment of the actor.
Seeing as how society is finally just starting to catch up with how important representation is for everybody who sits down to watch movies about the characters everybody loves, it’s nice seeing someone in that position fight for others to get a shot at an opportunity. It’s no confirmation that fans will see a darker skinned Storm, but it is nice to know that somebody is rooting for it. Hopefully this comes to fruition and that fans get a chance to see the X-Men return sooner rather than later.
