Warrior Nun joined the long list of shows Netflix officially announced it was axing on December 13, 2022, just a short time after fans began to worry that its recently released second season might be it’s last. The news is disappointing despite the possibility that the fantasy-action series, which executive producer Simon Barry adapted from Ben Dunn’s manga-style comic book, will find a new home elsewhere. This is especially true given how well Alba Baptista portrays the lead, demon-hunting hero, Ava Silva, in the series. We shouldn’t worry, though, as there is a tonne of other roles she could potentially develop a habit of playing in upcoming Marvel films.
To be clear, I do not base my opinion that the Portuguese actor has a chance to appear in any upcoming Marvel superhero films (or TV shows) on her alleged romance with former Captain America actor Chris Evans. One can easily see why Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris actress would be a fantastic addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe by watching her in action on Warrior Nun.
In fact, Alba Baptista’s appearance on the program inspired me to think about which Marvel comic book characters she might be the ideal choice to play on the big screen (or in a new Marvel TV series on Disney+), including a few that share similarities with her. In fact, her performance on the show inspired me to think of a few Marvel comic book characters, some of whom are colleagues, that she might be the ideal choice to play on the big screen (or in a new Marvel TV series on Disney+).
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Alba Baptista Could Play These 5 Marvel Characters
Stained Glass Scarlet
The reason I think Alba Baptista should play Stained Glass Scarlet in the MCU should be obvious to any devoted readers of Marvel Comics who are familiar with the character. The character known as Scarlet Fasinera is an orphaned woman who was formerly a member of the clergy who, after being resurrected from death with special abilities, turns into a vigilante, much like her character on Warrior Nun.
The two most significant differences between Scarlet and Ava are that Scarlet’s motivation to become a warrior came from having to kill Johnny “Mad Dog” Fasinera, her own criminal son and that she has been given the ability to control glass fragments, hence the name Stained Glass Scarlet. Additionally, she appears to be psychically connected to Moon Knight, which makes me think that Kevin Feige and the company should consider giving them the chance to work together the next time Oscar Isaac’s MCU character makes an appearance.
Sister Salvation
There are other talented heroes with bad habits in the Marvel Comics universe besides Stained Glass Scarlet. This widowed woman’s real name is unknown, but Alba Baptista is frequently referred to as Sister Salvation. She first appeared in a 1989 issue of Wolverine. Her alias could be a reference to her work as a servant of God or to her mutant power to touch another person and instantly heal them.
Sister Salvation did not appear all that frequently in Marvel Comics prior to her death at the hands of a group known as the Dark Riders who were on a mission to rid the world of mutant healers like her. That might alter, though, if Baptista were cast in the part and the MCU included him. Alba Baptista might be interested in playing a strong character who uses nonviolent means to change the world.
Shiklah
Casting Alba Baptista as the type of creature that she has been known to hunt on Warrior Nun would be another awesome way for her to expand her repertoire of comic book characters with a Marvel role. If we are going to turn her into a demon, why not Shiklah, who was actually created by comedian and Deadpool writer Brian Posehn? Shiklah is one of the most formidable, vicious (and, also, alluring) entities of her kind in the Marvel universe.
Shiklah, also known as the Queen of the Underworld, is more properly classified as a succubus, but her more ferocious appearance—complete with horns, a set of razor-sharp fangs, and purple reptilian skin—suggests a demonic presence that is not to be trifled with. You only need to ask her ex-husband Blade and Deadpool, or even her current spouse Dracula. With the Merc with a Mouth (still played by Ryan Reynolds) and the half-vampire vampire hunter joining the MCU (as portrayed by Mahershala Ali in the upcoming Blade reboot), it seems like we have a few options for how she could be incorporated into the franchise as it gradually starts to embrace the horror genre.
Gaea
If Alba Baptista were to decide she would prefer not to make her MCU debut as a villain, there is another Marvel character role I had in mind that would still allow her to view events from the perspective of her enemies on Warrior Nun, but one that is crafted from a different, and gentler, cloth. I’m talking about Gaea, one of the Elder Gods, who, along with Chthon, shaped much of Earth’s geological patterns, earning the title “Mother Earth” from some. Gaea is one of the Elder Gods.
She possesses a vast array of mystical, undefinable abilities, such as the ability to absorb spiritual energy, telekinesis, the ability to speak any language ever created, and much more, but she is still regarded as demonic due to these abilities. There isn’t a demon I can think of that an actor like Alba Baptista would be more honored to give life to in a fictionalized version. Maybe in an Eternals sequel?
Rogue
On the other hand, it’s possible that the actress would prefer that her next significant role in a comic book adaptation differ from what she did on Warrior Nun. She may be the ideal choice to play the role of the new Rogue in Marvel’s reboot of the X-Men franchise, according to someone who apparently had the same thought on the website MyCast.com, whenever that officially occurs.
It goes without saying that no one will ever be able to match Anna Paquin’s performance as the power-absorbing mutant in the original X-Men films, but I believe some of the franchise’s most ardent supporters would concur that it will be exciting to see how the MCU updates the fan-favorite character and who is chosen to play the role this time. Alba Baptista actually has a convincing enough resemblance to the role, and there is no denying that she is capable of playing strong badasses, so there is really no justification for not considering her.
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