‘The Marvels’ producer explained the reason behind casting Zawe Ashton as the supervillain Dar-Benn.

Marvel Cinematic Universe always keeps one unique card on its table when it comes to producing a new project. Now, with The Marvels, the studio casts Loki star Tom Hiddleston’s fiancé Zawe Ashton as Dar-Benn.
Zawe Ashton as ‘The Marvels’ villain Dar-Benn. Credit: Marvel Studios
In the original comic book, Dar-Benn is male but the makers of The Marvels swapped the gender and cast Ashton to make the movie have a discerning atmosphere. The female villain of The Marvels is quite fitting as the inherent undertone of the movie is based on the feministic premise with three female superheroes attempting to save the world.

Dar-Benn’s Incredible Supervillain Speech Left Everyone Speechless
Tom Hiddleston’s fiancé Zawe Ashton as Dar-Benn in The Marvels. Credit: Marvel Studios
Zawe Ashton’s Dar Benn has created a havoc in The Marvels giving the hard time to all three superheroes. And her performance in the movie clearly justified the gender swap, at least, many critics rightfully argued about that. Speaking with The Digital Fix Producer Mary Livanos explained the gender swap of the character in the movie and how one of Ashton’s scenes left everyone speechless on set. “We were just interested in casting the coolest person for the role possible, and Zawe Ashton is an incredible Dar-Benn,” Livanos said.
“One of my favorite days on set actually was Zawe as Dar-Benn addressing a whole crowd full of aliens before she really takes action. It was like this incredible supervillain speech. I just had chills rolling down my spine.”

The 39-year-old British star’s MCU debut has been spectacular and it seems the Marvel Studios is aware of what they are doing with their executive decisions.

Mary Livanos Is Hopeful That Fans Will Love Dar-Benn

Zawe Ashton as Dar-Benn in The Marvels. Credit: Marvel Studios
Livanos is quite positive about Ashton’s Dar Benn. She also believes that fans will love to see her action on screen as, according to the producer, Ashton’s portrayal of the Kree villain mesmerized her.

“I think folks will really love Dar-Benn because Zawe Ashton is just a wild performer who brought tonnes of life and energy to it. And she really cared about how this character ties in with Captain Marvel and her past,” she told The Digital Fix.
However, it was not really easy for Ashton to hop into the MCU project, the actor admitted that her fiancé Tom Hiddleston, who debuted in the MCU as a villain and played the character for more than a decade only to become fans’ heartthrob. Ashton clearly stated that Hiddleston empowered her to play Dar-Benn.

The Marvels is currently showing in theaters.