Tatiana Maslany’s portrayal of She-Hulk in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” was met with a mix of acclaim and criticism when the series premiered in 2022. While the show was generally well-received, it did not escape the expected backlash that often accompanies projects with strong female leads. Some viewers felt that the series’ approach to tackling incel culture and its frequent fourth-wall breaks detracted from Jennifer Walters’ character development. Additionally, the visual effects, particularly the transformation sequences, were criticized for not meeting the high standards set by other MCU productions, likely due to budget constraints typical of television projects. Despite these challenges, Maslany’s performance was widely praised, and fans are eager to see her return to the MCU.
Rumors about Maslany’s potential cameo roles in “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Captain America: Brave New World” have not materialized, leaving fans curious about her next appearance. The recent cancellation of her appearance at Comic Con Liverpool due to filming commitments has sparked speculation that she might be involved in “Avengers: Doomsday.” This theory gained traction after concept art, reportedly for “Avengers: Secret Wars,” indicated plans for She-Hulk’s return. However, the Russo Brothers have since clarified that the concept art was not related to their version of the movie. Despite this, it seems likely that Maslany’s filming commitments are indeed tied to “Avengers: Doomsday,” with her role expected to be “fairly significant.”
Maslany’s experience with the backlash following her MCU debut has been challenging. In a recent interview, she revealed that the negative comments on her social media have persisted for months, reflecting the intense scrutiny she faced. She acknowledged that showrunner Jessica Gao anticipated this reaction and incorporated it into the show’s narrative, making She-Hulk a self-aware character who is conscious of being watched. This meta-awareness mirrors Jennifer Walters’ struggle to be taken seriously within the legal system and the broader MCU. Maslany finds solace in the positive feedback from fans who appreciate the show’s feminist themes and its faithful representation of She-Hulk’s character from the comics.
As production for “Avengers: Doomsday” is set to begin imminently, it appears that Maslany’s involvement will keep her busy through the summer. The anticipation surrounding her return to the MCU is palpable, and her significant role in the upcoming film is expected to be a highlight for fans. While the backlash has been difficult, Maslany remains focused on the positive aspects of her work and the meaningful connections she makes with fans who appreciate her portrayal of She-Hulk. Her continued involvement in the MCU promises to bring more depth and complexity to the character, further solidifying She-Hulk’s place within the expansive Marvel universe.
