Despite her affinity for the superhero genre, Charlize Theron has never been approached to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Theron is one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, capable of playing a wide range of roles. Her dramatic performances in films such as Monster, Tully, and Bombshell have earned her plaudits. She is, nevertheless, no stranger to thrills and expertly orchestrated battles, having starred in a number of action blockbusters over the years.

She was famously approached to play Wonder Woman’s mother in the DCEU’s first film (an insult that the Oscar winner, who is just nine years older than actress Gal Gadot, declined), but Marvel hasn’t even gone that far.

To promote her new Netflix feature, Theron was a recent guest on The Big Ticket podcast (via Variety). It was inevitable that Theron would be questioned if she had contemplated joining the MCU because she will be portraying a character from a comic novel in the film. Marvel Studios, on the other hand, doesn’t appear to be interested in Theron just yet.

“I swear to God. I’ve never gotten anything,” Theron said when asked whether she had been contacted by Marvel. “No, I’m not lying to you.”

“But that’s okay. You know what? I am paving my own way. I’m creating my own opportunities. So it’s alright.”

With all of the big-name talent that Marvel Studios has brought into the MCU over the years, it seems strange that Charlize Theron has never been on that list. Over the course of her 20-year career, Theron has played a broad range of characters, from over-the-top villains (Fate of the Furious, Snow White and the Huntsman) to action heroes in films like Atomic Blonde, Mad Max: Fury Road, and now The Old Guard. She’s also received a lot of praise from critics, having been nominated for three Academy Awards (one of which she won in 2004 for Monster) and six Golden Globes (with one win, also for Monster). More significantly, regardless of who she is cast as, Theron is a name that will undoubtedly bring a large number of Marvel fans to the cinemas.

While some high-profile actors may regard blockbuster films as a necessary part of their careers, providing a bit of fun and a large paycheck in between smaller, more contemplative films, Theron appears to have a deep affection for the parts of her filmography that are more akin to the realm of superheroes than everyday life. She recently expressed her enthusiasm for a Hancock sequel. She’s also expressed her dissatisfaction with the fact that she won’t be repeating her role as Furiosa in a planned prequel. The Old Guard, Theron’s latest film, is a superhero tale that follows in the footsteps of her previous work on the big screen as a visually innovative movie with a strong sense of character.

On July 10, Netflix will release The Old Guard, a film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, and Harry Melling.

We’re honestly surprised that Theron has never been called to feature in any MCU projects. On the other hand, the actress is working on a number of interesting projects, so fans may expect to see more of her in the future.

The studio appears to be committed to maintaining Theron as one of its stars, but who knows what can happen if Kevin Feige finds out about this interview?

After Avengers: Endgame, Marvel needs new star power to drive Phase 4 of the MCU, which is effectively a fresh start for the franchise. Theron has a history of playing villains and anti-heroes, and there are enough of complicated female figures like that in Marvel’s canon for her to play. Both facets of Viper (aka Madame HYDRA) have been depicted onscreen (Viper in The Wolverine and “Madame HYDRA” in Agents of SHIELD), although never in a comic-accurate manner. Viper is a good bridge character to the X-Men films, which are also coming to the MCU (not to mention so many other X-Men characters).

While it may appear like every significant actor, whether a rising star or a seasoned veteran, has worked with the MCU, Theron’s remarks serve as a reminder that Marvel execs are overlooking many potentially creative casting possibilities. The MCU’s success may be attributed in part to its ability to cast the right individual in the right position. Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Michael B. Jordan, all accomplished actors in their own right, stood out when they joined on as villains in their respective flicks. It’s easy to see how Theron may go a similar path.