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Avengers: Endgame didn’t just round out the stories of the original Avengers line-up. It also integrated Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel into the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe. Prior to her appearance in that film, Carol Danvers had only appeared in her own 1990s-set adventure. Now she’s poised to become the probable next leader of the Avengers.

Larson will, of course, return to the MCU in Captain Marvel 2, due for release in 2022. But even before the actress joined Marvel, she was delivering consistently strong work across a variety of genres. But we’re willing to bet even Larson’s faithful would be surprised to learn what her biggest non-Marvel moneymakers have been.

Brie Larson at the NAACP Image Awards
Brie Larson at the NAACP Image Awards | Aaron J. Thornton/FilmMagic

Brie Larson has starred in several beloved indies and cult classics

In addition to two of 2019’s biggest hits, Larson has a long history of popping up in critically lauded independent films and cult classics alike. In the former category, the actress starred alongside Rami Malek, Lakeith Stanfield, and Kaitlyn Dever in 2013’s Short Term 12. Made for under $1 million, the film — Larson’s first lead role — earned less than $2 million.

Just a few years earlier, Larson played Envy Adams, lead singer of the fictional rock band The Clash at Demonhead in 2010’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film was a box office underperformer but has since found a devoted fan base. Larson was part of another stellar ensemble cast, including Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, and Aubrey Plaza.

Then there’s Room, the 2015 thriller that earned Larson a Best Actress Oscar. Despite earning just $14 million in domestic theaters, Room received rapturous reviews, especially for Larson’s performance. The harrowing story follows a mother and son who escape from years of captivity.

The actress has already appeared in another major shared universe

Of course, Larson’s versatile filmography has included more blockbusters than just those under the Marvel umbrella. The actress has a supporting role in the Judd Apatow-directed 2015 comedy Trainwreck, which earned $141 million. As the married sister of Amy Schumer’s monogamy-challenged party girl, Larson does a lot with a somewhat underwritten role.

Similarly, she elevates the role of Jonah Hill’s love interest in 2012’s 21 Jump Street. Based on the television series, the film — which saw Hill and Channing Tatum as cops going undercover as high school students — brought in just over $200 million. Alas, Larson did not return for the 2014 sequel, 22 Jump Street.

But neither is Larson’s biggest non-Marvel success. Ironically, that honor goes to another film set within a shared universe. 2017’s Kong: Skull Island sees Larson share the screentime with fellow MCU stars Tom Hiddleston and Samuel L. Jackson. With a worldwide total of $561 million, the film is part of the MonsterVerse, including both King Kong and Godzilla.

Brie Larson’s directorial debut is available to stream now on Netflix

In the midst of navigating her acting career, Larson has also begun to branch out into making her own films. Her directorial debut, Unicorn Store, screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017. In the film, Larson plays a failed artist who receives a mysterious invitation. She also shares the screen again with Jackson, with whom she has a friendship.

Unicorn Store received mixed reviews but marks a solid step forward in Larson’s burgeoning directorial career. Netflix picked up the film in 2019. So Larson fans can check out the actress’ film anytime they want. After all, it will be a while until she suits up again as Captain Marvel. It sounds like the perfect opportunity to catch up with her filmography.

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