Marvel Studios Just Gender-Swapped Its 9th Superhero

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Marvel Studios has added another female hero to its cinematic universe, making her the ninth character to take on a role previously held by a male hero. This continues a trend of increasing diversity and representation in the MCU, with these heroines sharing similar powers, backstories, or identities with existing male characters.

The animated series *Eyes of Wakanda* from Marvel Studios has made history by featuring the first female Iron Fist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – hundreds of years before the character most people know as Iron Fist. In the third episode, Jona Xiao voices Jorani, a powerful warrior from ancient China who earns the Iron Fist title and faces off against Basha, a Wakandan fighter, in a conflict over a valuable artifact.

The Netflix series *Iron Fist* focused on Danny Rand, played by Finn Jones, and later introduced Colleen Wing as another Iron Fist in its second season. However, the new story featuring Jorani takes inspiration from Wu Ao-Shi, a well-established character from Marvel comics who previously held the Iron Fist power.

Her first appearance as Iron Fist generated a lot of online discussion, with some fans expressing concerns about the character’s gender change. However, both Xiao and others pointed out that the Iron Fist title has historically been held by diverse heroes throughout the years, varying in background, ethnicity, and gender.

Iron Fist isn’t the only Marvel character getting a fresh take in the MCU. This female version fits a larger trend of reimagining traditionally male heroes, both with new characters created for the films and established ones from the comics.

Female Counterparts of Male MCU Characters

Sylvie

Sylvie, portrayed by Sophia Di Martino and first appearing in Season 1 of *Loki*, is a version of Loki from an alternate timeline. She was created when the TVA took her as a child.

Sylvie, like Loki, is clever and can use magic. However, because she spent her life hiding and fighting to survive, she’s a more straightforward and determined fighter, unlike Loki who often puts on a show.

Her story easily fits within the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s idea of the multiverse, proving that alternate versions of a person can be very different in appearance and personality, yet still be fundamentally the same.

Captain Carter

In *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*, Hayley Atwell plays Captain Carter, a powerful hero from another universe (Earth-838). While Steve Rogers became Captain America in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe, it was Peggy Carter who received the Super Soldier Serum in her world, giving her the same incredible strength and abilities.

The idea of the multiverse makes Captain Carter’s story believable, echoing the premise of the *What If…?* series. That show already hinted at a reality where Peggy Carter, instead of Steve Rogers, gained enhanced abilities and became a super-powered leader and fighter.

Kate Bishop

In the Disney+ series *Hawkeye*, Hailee Steinfeld plays Kate Bishop, who takes on the mantle of Hawkeye as Clint Barton’s apprentice. The show focuses on passing the torch to a new hero, rather than exploring alternate universes.

Honestly, by the time the show finished, I was so excited to see this young hero ready to take on the Hawkeye mantle! It felt like a perfect way to honor Clint Barton’s history, but also let her create her own path and make the name truly her own. It was a really satisfying ending!

Thor (Jane Foster)

In *Thor: Love and Thunder*, Natalie Portman’s character, Jane Foster, becomes the Mighty Thor when she proves worthy of wielding the enchanted hammer Mjolnir, which has been reforged.

While Thor is a god by nature, Jane Foster gains her abilities from using the hammer Mjolnir. This hammer gives her incredible strength and also fights off the cancer in her body, but only temporarily.

Thor is grappling with questions of who he is and what he’s meant to do, while Jane Foster is learning to accept her strength even knowing her time is limited. This marks a special and poignant ending to their story within the larger Multiversal Saga.

She-Hulk

In She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Tatiana Maslany plays Jennifer Walters, who transforms into She-Hulk after unexpectedly receiving a blood transfusion from her cousin, Bruce Banner.

While Bruce Banner struggled to control his transformations and the Hulk’s anger, Jennifer Walters easily adapts to being She-Hulk, maintaining her personality, intelligence, and job as a lawyer. She-Hulk has been a popular Marvel Comics character for years, and is known for directly addressing the audience – breaking the fourth wall.

Black Panther (Shuri)

In *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, Letitia Wright’s character, Shuri, becomes the new Black Panther after the death of her brother, King T’Challa, within the film’s story.

The story was influenced by the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020. As a tribute to his memory, Marvel Studios decided not to find another actor to play his role.

Lady Deadpool

Lady Deadpool appears briefly in *Deadpool & Wolverine*, making a memorable impression amidst the many different versions of Deadpool shown during the film’s wild, reality-bending adventure.

Okay, so Ryan Reynolds is *still* amazing as Deadpool, being all sarcastic and knowing he’s in a movie, which is perfect. But honestly, Blake Lively as Lady Deadpool was such a fun surprise! She totally nailed the same crazy energy and fighting style, just with a really cool, flipped perspective. It was awesome seeing a female version of that character!

Ironheart

Dominique Thorne plays Riri Williams, a brilliant young inventor who creates her own advanced suit of armor. First appearing in *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, her character is meant to carry on the spirit of Iron Man, a role famously played by Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. publicly shared his enthusiasm for Ironheart, complimenting Dominique Thorne’s performance and urging fans to welcome the character’s unique viewpoint.

White Tiger (Angela Del Toro)

In the series *Daredevil: Born Again*, Angela Del Toro, played by Camila Rodriguez, transforms into the White Tiger. This new iteration of the hero gains increased strength and fighting ability through a powerful, mystical amulet.

The character’s background is rooted in Marvel Comics history, as the White Tiger title has been held by several heroes before her. This lets her pay tribute to those who came before while also forging her own path in Season 2.

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2025-10-15 05:39