With fans of the X-Men eagerly awaiting the introduction of the series characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one name has emerged as a somewhat ironic candidate for a key role: transgender actress Dominique Jackson, whom fans want to see play the platinum headed mutant Storm.
For anyone unfamiliar with the character, Ororo Munroe/Storm hails from Kenya, where her mutant powers to manipulate the weather caused her fellow villagers to worship her as a goddess. She later emigrated to the US where she joined the X-men in as a co-leader of the team.
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In previous cinematic incarnations, Storm was played by actresses Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp. Now fans want Jackson to join the roster and have started an online petition to get Jackson in the running.
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I’d RUN to the theater to see Dominique Jackson give us the regality mixed in with true GRIT that encapsulates the character of Ms Monroe! Y’all get in line or get left behind! Sign!
Walt Disney: Cast Dominique Jackson As Storm https://t.co/6TiCqAIE2X via @Change
— j alvarez (@jshndrw) June 17, 2020
“I’d RUN to the theater to see Dominique Jackson give us the regality mixed in with true GRIT that encapsulates the character of Ms Monroe!” said Twitter user J Alvarez. “Y’all get in line or get left behind! Sign!”
The petition itself, started by fan Javier Enriquez, posits that casting a transgender lead in a major film series would strike a blow to transphobia and racism worldwide.
“If there’s anyone that could fill Storm’s cape it would be Ms. Jackson,” the petition reads. “From fleeing persecution as a transgender woman in her home country of Trinidad, to being a pioneer and leader for the Ballroom and LGBTQ community, Ms. Jackson knows what it’s like to feel to be an outcast, only to find strength in community.”
Jackson, for her part, took delight in the campaign. “Just saw this and would like to thank you all for the confidence you have in me and the support you give!” Jackson said in an Instagram post, which also included fan art of her in costume as Storm. “It’s not even about if Marvel sees this but just knowing that you are valued is what is important and makes us all feel human and respected as a part of community and society! So I implore you, as you uplift and empower me so should you uplift and empower those around you who worry every day if it could be their last. Thank you all for making my day, I have always looked to Storm as representation of my true self!”
Disney/Marvel has not commented on the petition. Jackson can currently be seen on the FX series Pose.
Creamsicle
Eh, I like Jackson in POSE, but only because I think her mannerisms make sense for the character she plays. Elektra is a trans woman who had to live in a hostile world. Passing was a matter of survival and a point of pride for her that elevates her above other trans women. She emulates every fancy lady she ever admired from a distance, and it makes sense for her acting to border on being cartoonish.
I don’t really think she has the chops to play in an action film. Then again, I don’t think I’ve seen her in anything besides POSE, so maybe I’m wrong.
Cam
She’s an actress and using the speech mannerisms of the old founders of the houses. The fact that she’s pulling it off makes me thing she has the acting chops. Also, it’s not as if the movies have ever given Storm more than a few lines anyway.
I would love it.
Cam
In addition to weather, Storm’s new talent, Pulling off a tablecloth at dinner to make a dramatic exit!
Toofie
No, they would cast younger. Also she’s not the greatest actress.
TheMarc
I’m not super familiar with Dominique’s work, but…physically, she nails it as Storm.
Jon in Canada
I have a problem with this petition. NO, not that she shouldn’t be cast in the role, I think she’d be great. No, for me the problem lies in the idea that the only reason she should be cast is because she’s trans. That’s not a valid reason to cast anyone in a role, sorry, but it’s not. She’s an amazing talent in her own right and that’s why she should be cast. Being trans is, in this instance, a secondary concern.
Cue the usual suspects, being unable to understand complex and nuanced commentary, accusing me of being transphobic.
Brian
She absolutely has the look, but her acting is awful.
Lancealot
Chadwick Boseman would have to be very comfortable with the actress playing Storm. Their love affair will be a major part of incorporating the X-Men into the MCU.
HankHarris
Storm is the hardest to cast. I’d prefer they cast an unknown African actress. That said, I trust Marvel in re-casting – I don’t think they’ve made a major casting miss-step yet. A few ‘meh’ choices but none that are terrible.