Source: LadyofTales

Old news, but the X-men are finally making their debut in the MCU! When? That’s to be announced, but I know all the excitement is coming soon.

Don’t get me wrong, I have a soft spot for Fox’s X-men films (Despite all the continuity errors), but they never got my girl Ororo Monroe, aka Storm, correctly depicted on screen. After six film portrayals, we still don’t know much about our favorite weather witch, but yet, Fox used her face on every poster and dvd cover. So, what gives? How is our beloved character worthy for promotional materials, but not worthy of three lines in the film? In this post, I plan to discuss Storm’s portrayal in previous and future films. Who are your top picks to play Ororo Monroe in the near distant future? Read below for more insight!

Background

Within the entire X-Men franchise, we never really understood Storm’s purpose in the series. On the one hand, you have this beautiful, black woman that has so much of potential to be equally iconic as her comic book counterpart. Unfortunately, Storm plays second fiddle to all her teammates.

Source: Fox

By X2, we can all agree that Storm serves as the token minority with little to no character development, other than her implied “fear” of humans. Remember the first film (Her random moment with Senator Kelly)? It was one of her very few, limited, fleshed out moments in the series. Oh, and let’s not forget to mention that “Kenyan” accent that magically disappears after the first film. Try again Fox!

Source: Fox

Singer attempted to redeem himself with X-Men Apocalypse, but of course, that was another failure. Here, Storm is depicted as a teenage, Egyptian thief with a soft spot for her idol Mystique (Weird). She eventually meets an ancient prophet, receives a power boost (White hair included), serves as one of four henchmen, and eventually joins the team. In the next movie, she is once again reduced to a background character with limited power displays and flight. Okay, that sounds great and all, but that’s extremely underwhelming? As one of the most popular comic book characters, the different variations of Storm can barely reach their film potential.

Oh, and we can’t forget to speak on colorism in Hollywood (There is no way around the conversation without diving in 100%). As a man of color myself, I have noticed that many of the actresses depicted as black women in big, blockbuster films are mostly lighter skinned (bi-racial; biracial latina; inidienous afro-latina). To date, Storm has been depicted by two biracial actresses, Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp. I understand Halle’s casting in the film (Coming off an Oscar win), but Mystique would have been a better choice for her. Could you imagine Halle serving us looks in blue skin?!

They should have left the Storm slot open to Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox, N’Bushe Wright, Theresa Randle, or Gina Torres. Heck, Sallie Richardson-Whitfield or Thandie Newton would have been better than what we got on screen. Could you imagine two, black actresses leading a comic book movie as Storm and Mystique? X-Men would have been even more ahead of its time for sure.

Source: Stuart Cooper

As of lately, the film industry has made a movement towards uplifting women of color with opportunities outside of traditional stereotypes. We are moving away from the token, sad, angry, hyper-sexualized, finger waving troupe that has been projected on some of our favorite, darker skinned actresses. That being said, we have to jump on this opportunity to cast a more comic book accurate Storm. This is our time!

DRAFT PICKS

So, who should play this emotionally stable, African American/Kenyan weather goddess that has a fear of closed spaces in the MCU? Take a look a my picks below, in no specific order.

Deborah Ayorinde

Source: IMDB

Based on the look alone, Deborah Ayorinde captures the true essence of Ororo Monroe. Plus, she has a British accent, which would be an interesting take on the character.

Michaela Coel

Source: The Observer

I immediately fell in love with Michaela Coel’s work after watching Chewing Gum on Netflix. So awkward, yet refreshing! That being said, Michaela is ready for her big screen debut in America. Let’s make this one happen Marvel!

Yaya DaCosta

Source: IMDB

From Lee Daniels’ the Butler to Chicago Med, this ANTM alum has more than enough experience to lead a new Marvel franchise as Storm. I’ve been ready for YaYa to get her hands dirty for quite some time.

Anna Diop

Source: IMDB

Anna Diop is known for portraying StarFire on Titans , and she does one heck of a job! It’s not easy portraying an alien on the small screen. With one super heroin under her belt, I wouldn’t be surprised if Marvel has their eyes set on casting Anna to the future X-Men franchise.

Jade Eshete

Source: IMDB

I actually stumbled across this beauty on Instagram, and was instantly intrigued. After doing a little research and watching a few youtube videos,  we can all agree that Jade is also one heck of an actress! I wonder if Marvel plans on going with an unknown for this role? If so, Jade should be a top contender.

Meagan Good

Source: IMDB

There is no need to discuss her acting credentials because her name speaks for itself. She is beautiful and has the acting chops to embody Storm (It’s quite surprising that Meagan Good is quite overlooked for this role. I even almost forgot to include her in this roster).

Kiki Layne

Source: IMDB

Newcomer Kiki Layne is the new fan favorite to play Storm. I have yet to see her work outside of If Beale Street Could Talk, but she actually WANTS to play Storm. That said, I’m rooting for her as well!

Janelle Monáe

Source: GQ

If we were having this conversation ten years ago, Janlle Monáe would have been completely overlooked. Now that I’ve seen her in action, I think she is ready for her MCU debut. If Storm is out the question, we should consider Dr. Cecelia Reyes or the Dazzler (Since they lightened up Cecelia in the New Mutants film, we can add some color to Alison Blair 🙂 ).

Jade Turner Smith

Source: IMDB

Who wasn’t talking about Jade Turner Smith in Queen and Slim last month?! Once she cut off those braids, slid in to that snakeskin dress, and put on those knee high boots, she gave me every bit of Storm. Will the MCU be her next stop?

DeWanda Wise

Source: IMDB

Similar to KiKi Lane, DeWanda Wise has also campaigned to play Storm in the MCU. While originally casted in Captain Marvel as Maria Rambeau, I’m sure DeWanada still has a few ties with Marvel. I can even see them saving this role for her.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Ryan Destiny

Source: Galore

Ashley Blaine Featherson

Samira Wiley

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

How do you feel about this roster? Who do you want to play Storm? Feel free and share in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!

-Bryce Lennon