'Captain Marvel' Release Date & Spoilers: Annette Bening Possibly Playing New Villain Who Initially Helps Carol Danvers Control Her Powers

There is little doubt that Avengers: Infinity War hinted at Captain Marvel playing a large role in the future Marvel Cinematic Universe films. After all, the post-credit scene in this year's biggest blockbuster featured Nick Fury sending a message to Carol Danvers just before he was turned into dust. But before she can face Thanos, Brie Larson's character will star in her own solo film next year. Interestingly, it looks like Carol's first lesson will be learning to trust the right people.

It has recently been announced that Annette Bening will be joining the already stellar cast of Captain Marvel. However, there was no real confirmation on which comic book character the Academy Award nominee will portray. There have been reports that Bening will play a scientist while others believe she has been cast as Carol Danvers' mother. But is it possible that the 20th Century Women actress is going to be a gender-swapped villain in the upcoming MCU flick?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Captain Marvel has added Annette Bening in a role that is reportedly "being kept hidden deep in the Kree Empire." The outlet did disclose that the character's job description features the term "scientist." On the other hand, Variety reporter Justin Kroll has tweeted that Bening "would be playing [Carol] Danvers' mother" in the film.

True news: Annette Bening joining CAPT MARVEL; being told she would be playing Danvers' mother — Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) May 9, 2018

Although both possibilities are certainly welcome, there are also speculations that Annette Bening will be one of the major villains in Captain Marvel. Some believe that THR's mention of the Kree was a clue to which character the Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool star will portray. There is a theory that MCU will gender swap the Kree military officer Yon-Rogg, who is one of Mar-Vell's enemies in the comics.

Another theory suggests that Annette Bening will be one of Carol Danvers' mentors who ends up betraying her in Captain Marvel. However, no further details have been confirmed by Marvel Studios so it is best to take all information with a grain of salt. Captain Marvel is scheduled for release on March 8, 2019.