Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Calls on Marvel to Cast Her as a Superhero

In a year marked by shifting tides in entertainment and growing calls for inclusive casting, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez—Emmy-winning actress and trailblazer for transgender visibility—has set her sights squarely on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Rodriguez’s candid appeal for Marvel to cast her as a superhero comes at a pivotal moment for both her career and the broader conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in blockbuster media .

Rodriguez’s journey began in Newark, New Jersey, where she immersed herself in the performing arts from a young age. Her breakout role as Angel Dumott Schunard in "Rent" earned her the 2011 Clive Barnes Award, but her greatest impact was yet to come. After a brief hiatus to focus on her transition, Rodriguez returned to the stage and screen, taking on diverse roles in series such as "Nurse Jackie", "The Carrie Diaries", and "Luke Cage" .

Her landmark casting as Blanca Evangelista in FX’s "Pose" marked a historic shift: Rodriguez became part of the largest ensemble of transgender actresses to star as series regulars on a scripted show. For her critically acclaimed performance, Rodriguez made history in 2021 as the first transgender woman to earn an Emmy nomination in a leading acting category and the first transgender actor to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama . Her work in "Pose" and subsequent projects like "Loot" and "American Horror Story: Delicate" have solidified her status as a powerhouse performer and advocate.

Rodriguez’s recent interview with Ricky Cornish, an on-air correspondent for Equal Pride, brought her Marvel aspirations into sharp focus. “Hopefully the Marvel gods speak. I want an action show! I want it. I need it,” Rodriguez declared, her enthusiasm palpable. She went on to directly address Marvel executives, including Disney CEO Bob Iger and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, saying, “Can I have it?!” .

Joel Kim Booster, Rodriguez’s co-star on "Loot", playfully joined the call, referencing Marvel’s iconic X-Men heroine: “Storm, are you listening?! Are you listening Bob Iger? Are you listening Kevin Feige? Give this woman an X on her chest.” Rodriguez responded with characteristic wit and charm, “Yes, please! Just an X. I’ll take it” .

Rodriguez’s remarks quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with fans and advocates voicing support for her dream and the wider push for trans and queer representation in superhero narratives .

Rodriguez’s appeal is more than a personal ambition; it is a rallying cry for the visibility of transgender people and people of color in mainstream franchises. “I always say waking up is a part of activism, especially for a trans woman of color. It means we’re stepping up and showing out,” Rodriguez emphasized in her interview .

This sentiment resonates deeply amidst an entertainment landscape that, despite progress, continues to face criticism for sidelining queer stories and characters. The difficulties of 2025—including the cancellation of several queer-led TV series—have made platforms like "Loot" all the more vital for representation and storytelling. For Rodriguez, the opportunity to take on an action-packed superhero role would be not only a professional milestone but also a cultural statement about who gets to be seen as heroic .

As Rodriguez continues to lead in "Loot" and pursue new opportunities, her advocacy for superhero representation stands as both a personal and communal aspiration. Her message to Marvel—backed by a groundswell of support—underscores the transformative potential of casting decisions in shaping societal attitudes and affirming the identities of audiences worldwide.