Thor is a woman; Captain America is black. But when will the Marvel Cinematic Universe start to reflect this diversity?

Big news: Marvel replaces Steve Rogers with the new, black Captain America and Thor is now a woman after Mjölnir changes possession.

Marvel may be (finally) ramping up the diversity of their comic books, but historically the world of Marvel movies has played it much safer. This is not a problem limited to Marvel alone; I have previously talked at length about why I want to see a Miles Morales Spider-Man movie (instead of incessant Peter Parker reboots). But the current slate of Marvel films shows no sign of greater diversity, even when their comic books do. Every film so far has focused on a male lead character, or featured an overwhelmingly male (and white) cast, and future films Ant-Man, Captain America 3, Thor 3 and Doctor Strange show no signs of changing that pattern.

But we can assume that Marvel’s announcements this week were strategic. San Diego Comic-Con is on next week, and Marvel would be the last company to underestimate the power of Comic-Con. Does that mean when they take the stage in San Diego it will be to announce that Chris Hemsworth will be stepping down as Thor, and that Anthony Mackie’s Falcon will be taking over for Chris Evans as Captain America?

As much as I would love to see both of these changes on screen, it is unlikely that the Marvel films will go in this direction. If anyone is going to take over as Captain America, current opinion is that it will be Bucky Barnes rather than Falcon, especially as Barnes actor Sebastian Stan has a nine-picture deal with Marvel (as opposed to Chris Evan’s six), and Bucky does replace Rogers in the comics. And after showing no signs of interest in a film based around a female superhero, why would they suddenly replace one of their shining stars in order to do so?

If, however, this is part of a greater diversity push on Marvel’s part (and it should be), I am completely on board.

Sure, we have seen small signs of improvement, such as the upcoming Agent Carter series, the introduction of Wilson into the Captain America franchise, and the increased diversity on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D – but this is not enough.

It is ridiculous that we have gone this long without a standalone film based around a female character. Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow would be the obvious choice (and the events of Captain America 2 certainly set her up for a solo adventure), but what about introducing a new character – like Carol Danvers’ Captain Marvel (another woman who took over from a man in the comics).

But maybe they will surprise us, and Anthony Mackie will take over as Cap, and a woman will pick up Thor’s hammer. A prime candidate to replace Hemsworth would be Sif, portrayed by Jaimie Alexander, who has already been introduced to the world of Marvel in both film (Thor, Thor 2) and television (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.).

Or, if they do get around to making a Thor movie with a brand new leading lady, I already have the perfect casting suggestion:

After this round of announcements, all eyes will be on Marvel next week when they hit San Diego Comic-Con. If these comic book changes are the beginning of a new era in diverse representation, Marvel will put themselves at the front of the pack. And if not? Well, they will have made themselves look extremely foolish.

Hypable will be bringing you complete coverage of Marvel’s activities and announcements at San Diego Comic-Con.