Where Captain Marvel’s Short Hair In Avengers: Endgame Comes From

After two decades in space, Captain Marvel aka Carol Danvers returned in Avengers: Infinity War and its immediate sequel Avengers: Endgame to help the surviving Avengers find Thanos. Failing to reverse his removal of half the universes’ population, the movie jumped ahead five years later to show the survivors having patrolled and protected what remained of the world and beyond. In that time, Carol was seen in the same red and blue uniform but with a shorter haircut, a choice that referenced her comic book counterparts hairstyle which debuted back in 2012.

In 1968, Carol Danvers of the United States Air Force’s life was changed forever when she was caught in an explosion of a Kree device in close proximity to Dr. Walter Lawson, Captain Marvel’s human alter-ego. The explosion of this “Psyche-Magnatron” caused her genetic structure to meld with Captain Marvels, making Carol a human-Kree hybrid. She used her new strength, endurance, stamina, durability, and other benefits of her new unique physiology as Ms. Marvel, occasionally going by other names like Binary or Warbird. She’d work alongside superhero teams like the Avengers, X-Men, and other Marvel characters, becoming not only one of the most prominent Marvel female heroes but also one of their most powerful characters entirely. By the time 2012 rolled by, she was already a member of the New Avengers and a prominent character in Marvel events such as Secret Invasion, Dark Reign, and Siege.

Under the pen of writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, Carol’s new series saw her trade her Ms. Marvel spandex and red sash for a red and blue jumpsuit, leaning more into her past as a fighter pilot complete with a shorter military-style haircut. In Captain Marvel #1, DeConnick with artist Dexter Soy ( as well as designs from artist Jamie McKelvie) saw Carol’s teammate Captain America, impressed by how she handled herself in their battle with the Absorbing Man, suggested that Carol complete her new look by taking Captain Marvel’s name. Despite her objections, Steve Rogers made some compelling points that having lead the Avengers and saved the world countless times, it was the least she could do. While she was on the fence about her new identity, her new haircut was non-negotiable as her fellow Avenger Spider-Man learned criticism could lead to vaporization. After taking some time in and out of space thinking about her inspirations and the direction of her life so far, Carol decided what the hell and accepted the title of  Captain Marvel.

These changes to Carol were met with mostly positive approval from fans and critics and because of this, DeConnick’s contribution to the character has remained unchanged. Carol eventually rejoined the main Avengers team and later took to space in her eighth volume, also written by DeConnick, where she would eventually join the Guardians of the Galaxy and play a prominent role in the Civil War II and Secret Wars. Joining the ranks of A-Force, Ultimates, and S.W.O.R.D, Carol Danvers went through many ups and downs but her new hairdo and costume have remained the same, with small changes depending on the storyline or artistic style of her current collaborators, and eventually became canon with Brie Larson’s portrayal of the character

Although DeConnick has moved on and let others work with Captain Marvel, her contribution to Carol Danvers is undeniable and thus her small cameo in 2019’s Captain Marvel is a subtle thank you and recognition for her effort. With the MCU’s population restored with massive changes along the way, Captain Marvel‘s place in the Avengers or the universe overall moving forward is still unfolding but her portrayal continues to balance her movie appearance with her comic book counterpart, creating a portrayal that is fun, inspirational, and confident enough to stand proudly amongst Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

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