Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduces a number of new and interesting characters, including America Chavez, a newcomer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Xochitl Gomez will play the role in the next MCU sequel, which will be her live-action debut. Chavez has a lengthy history in Marvel Comics before making his first appearance in Multiverse of Madness.
Joe Casey and Nick Dragotta invented the Marvel hero, and she initially appeared in the 2011 film Vengeance. Following that, Chavez appeared with other heroes in the 2013 film Young Avengers and the 2015 film Ultimates. Because of the character’s popularity, she was given her own solo comic series in 2016.
Given the character’s long history in comic books, one would wonder whether the authors are overjoyed about the hero’s imminent film debut, particularly following the Marvel brand’s well-documented pay difficulties.
In a recent interview, half of Chavez’s creative team has spoken up about the matter.
The Creator of America Chavez Talks About The Marvel Deal
Joe Casey, the creator of Marvel Comics’ America Chavez, spoke with ComicBook about the character’s imminent live-action debut in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
When questioned whether he wishes he had have had greater creative control over America Chavez’s development into other media, Casey conceded that creating the character under Marvel’s roof was “not the greatest option” owing to the comic company’s legendary stifling of royalties granted to its writers. Regardless, Casey says he’s “psyched” for America Chavez’s live-action premiere in Marvel Studios’ multi-billion-dollar Multiverse of Madness: Infinity War.
“Only when I think about how much money this Doctor Strange sequel will bring in…!” In all seriousness, it was probably not the wisest move on my part to create new characters for Marvel Publishing, given their spotty track record when it comes to dealing fairly with creators, but I did it for America Chavez, and regardless of where things are at on that front, I’m definitely psyched to see her in a film that costs more than the GNP of certain developing countries.”
“She has a lot of the attributes that epitomize a conventional Marvel hero,” Casey said, “she shares a lot of the qualities that epitomize a typical Marvel hero:”
“Well, one reason is that she simply seems to fit into the Marvel Universe,” she says, referring to her presence in the film. She’s unlike any other Marvel character, yet she has many of the characteristics that define a classic Marvel hero. One of the primary motivations for creating her was to create a character that could proudly stand beside other old Marvel heroes like Iron Man and Spider-Man. But, let’s face it, if we’re being really honest, she’s had a strange comics career. That isn’t a secret.”
Chavez’s arrival in the MCU, according to the Marvel creator, is an opportunity to “distill the character back down to the best form of her:”
“Fortunately, her core appeal has never waned, and her admirers remain fiercely devoted. And, as with anything that’s being adapted and adjusted for a new medium, I’d like to believe that her appearance in the MCU is an opportunity to distill the character back down to the best version of her, and to remove at least some of the creative detritus that’s accumulated in the comics over the last decade. They may pick and select the greatest parts for the movie.”
The comic book writer expressed his delight at seeing the character he created come to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, calling it “really wonderful” and noting that the hero’s appearances in other media had “already left an impression:”
“It’s nice, but on the other hand, this is only the latest in a long line of America Chavez appearances in other media, including video games, action figures, animation, clothes, bedsheets, and possibly beyond, places where she’s already had a mark outside of the comics.”
The MCU’s and Marvel Creators’ Debacle
Joe Casey’s recent remarks concerning insufficient author pay are especially regrettable, given that the comic book community as a whole agrees with these thoughts.
Despite this, Casey’s love and enthusiasm for America Chavez is still palpable, particularly after reading his rousing words. This should indicate that the Marvel creator will be watching the sequel primarily for the character’s first appearance.
This isn’t the first time a Marvel artist has spoken out against the industry’s unequal compensation policies. Previously, Bucky Barnes a.k.a. the Winter Soldier creator Ed Brubaker claimed that just seeing the advertising for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier made him “sort of sick to his stomach,” stressing how he is merely seeing his invention earn millions from afar.
The continuity of Marvel characters on film should serve as a lighthouse for the studio to retool and realign its policies to fit their creator’s important contribution.
Casey’s words show how bright Chavez’s Marvel future may shine, both on the page and on the film. It’s unclear whether Casey has inside knowledge on how Chavez would be utilized in Multiverse of Madness’ cryptic plot.
On May 6, 2022, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be released in cinemas.
