Ever since Marvel Studios' parent company Disney merged with 20th Century Fox last year, the fate of Fox's popular X-Men film franchise has been up in the air. While there have been tons of reports and rumors about whether or not the team of mutants will finally be joining the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, there's also been chatter about who should be playing what roles.
A few names have been thrown around here and there for characters like Wolverine and Professor Xavier, but there's only one actress who the stans really want to play Omaga-level weather controller and iconic Black heroine Storm: Pose star Dominique Jackson.
A fan-driven Change.org petition has been making its rounds on the internet calling for the trans actor and advocate to take on the superhero mantle that was previously played by Oscar winner Halle Berry and Love, Simon's Alexandra Shipp before Disney merged with Fox.
"Casting Ms. Jackson will finally give fans a spot-on portrayal of one of the most beloved comic book heroines of all time," the petition, which had almost 4,000 signatures at the time of reporting, reads. "The X-Men have always represented marginalized groups of people. People of color and LGBTQ+ individuals all feel oppressed more than ever in today's society. Casting a Black trans woman as the iconic character would reach out to new demographics by depicting the heroine as a strong and unapologetic leader who like the rest of us is also human."
Fans were more than happy to express their love of the idea online:
None— Saul Goodman in 3D (@Saul Goodman in 3D) 1608495075
The petition was so effective, Jackson herself even caught wind of it and posted about it on her Instagram.
"Just saw this and would like to thank you all for the confidence you have in me and the support you give!" Jackson wrote about all of the support she has been receiving from X-Men fans. "It's not even about if Marvel sees this, but just knowing that you are valued is what is important and makes us all feel human and respected as a part of community and society!"
She also implored her fans to keep amplifying the voices of those who are still marginalized and don't get enough shine:
"As you uplift and empower me, so should you uplift and empower those around you who worry every day if it could be their last. Thank you all [for] making my day, I have always looked to Storm as a representation of my true self!"
Hopefully, the higher-ups at Disney are listening to what the people want, because having a star like Dominique join the line-up of Marvel heroes would be a BLESSING in and of itself!
