Things We Saw Today: Marvel’s Andy Park Discusses Captain Marvel‘s Costumes

There’s a lot to love about superhero films: the stars, the powers, the VFX. but one of the best elements is by far the costuming choices. Superhero costumes come with their own unique set of challenges. They have to be custom-made, and the need to look good both in static poses and in action sequences. Costume design can make or break a film: like Ruth E. Carter’s Oscar-winning Afro-futurist looks in Black Panther, or Ryan Reynolds’ poorly conceived digital suit for Green Lantern.

Marvel Studios Director of Visual Development & Concept Artist Andy Park shared some of the secrets behind his latest collaboration: Carol Danvers’ suits in Captain Marvel. Park has become the go-to-guy for female character design, having worked on the looks of Black Widow, Scarlett Witch, Hela, Mantis, Nebula, and Wasp, in addition to Captain Marvel. And he wouldn’t have it any other way:

“My whole career has been very female-centric and I’m very proud of that. Growing up, my two favorite comic book characters were Iron Man and Rachel Summers — who is Phoenix (Jean Grey and Scott Summers’ daughter in an alternate universe). She was my favorite character because she’s so powerful. In the ’90s, my favorite TV show was Buffy, and for the first 10 years of my career — before becoming a concept artist — I was best known for drawing the Tomb Raider comic books. So, being able to work on the first co-lead female MCU superhero (Wasp) and also the first lead (Captain Marvel), is something I’m really proud and honored to have done.”

Park shared some of his favorite keyframes from the film, as well as his thought process behind the looks. There are so many details embedded in Carol’s costume that you might miss on the first look. Oh well, one more reason to watch it again!

(via Buzzfeed, image: Marvel)

• • It looks like Iceland is the best country in the world to be a woman. BRB, packing our bags. (via Huffington Post)
  • Let’s decode the Avengers: Endgame trailer via Scarlett Johansson’s wigs. (via Nerdist)

• • Say the magic word: Shazam! is projected to have a super-sized box office debut. (via Blastr)
  • Ben Affleck loves his giant Phoenix back tattoo. Whatever makes Sad Batman happy is alright by me. (via Pajiba)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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