Most Influential People2019

Brie Larson is a warrior on- and offscreen. When she’s not shattering records and stereotypes as Captain Marvel in Marvel Studios’ first female-led superhero movie—which has made more than $1 billion at the global box office—she’s fighting fiercely for gender equality, inclusivity and an end to sexual harassment in the workplace.

For Brie, it just comes naturally. Her activism is an extension of who she is. She sits at a table and wants to make sure everyone has access to it. She is constantly investigating how to be a better ally. The first time I met her, she was taking a breather outside of an annual adult prom; the next time, she was hosting a conversation (complete with graphs and a PowerPoint presentation) about the lack of representation in film. She has a huge capacity for both joy and serious work.

Brie is primed to be one of Marvel’s next big leaders at a time when women are breaking ceilings in all spaces. She is in a position to make real systemic change in Hollywood. I’m elated to see someone so pure of intention wield that power.

Thompson is an actor who stars alongside Larson in the upcoming movie Avengers: Endgame