This has been an outstanding factor in bringing the nerdy and geeky world of comics into the mainstream. However, even the MCU’s success has struggled to keep the largest franchise cinematic universe going on just the big screen, and Marvel has leaned in to producing more cartoons and video games to buoy up the diverse portfolio of content. But earlier in the run, there was one Marvel TV show that was greenlit for 10 episodes, and already cast a star, that got canned ahead of release, but Marvel hasn’t let go of that lead actress.
Milana Vayntrub Was Cast As Squirrel Girl In The Canceled New Warriors Show
Squirrel Girl Was So Close To Getting Her Live-Action Debut
Back in 2016, ABC was looking for ways to capitalize on the major success of their Marvel TV series, Agents of SHIELD. In addition to taking two of the actors out of the main series to set up the spin-off, Marvel’s Most Wanted, ABC also commissioned a 10-episode run for Marvel’s New Warriors after loving the pilot episode they saw. While Most Wanted’s pilot episode ended up being underwhelming, when it came time to finally air New Warriors, ABC backtracked and decided there was no room on their slate.
And while this was likely a huge disappointment for all the cast and crew involved, Marvel did not let go of one actress in particular. Milana Vayntrub, frequently best known for her role as Lily in the AT&T commercials, was cast as the leading lady, Squirrel Girl. This obscure Marvel hero would have been a fun and energetic new presence for the Marvel TV universe, but unfortunately, it never made it to air. But Vayntrub turned out to be the silver lining in that grey cloud.
Marvel Keeps Bringing Vayntrub Back As Squirrel Girl… Just Not In Live-Action
Squirrel Girl Is Gearing Up To Be A Part Of The MCU
Clearly, Vayntrub made an impression in the role of Squirrel Girl. As far as the audience is concerned, very few people ever got to see the vision for New Warriors realized, but there were leaks and set photos that came out with Vayntrub in the iconic costume. The accuracy when comparing her to the comics is also as high as could be expected. However, when the show was pulled, Vayntrub did get her opportunity to play Squirrel Girl later on, just in a different way than she may have initially anticipated.
Vayntrub was cast in the role for the animated series, Marvel Rising. The 2018 series followed a similar format to New Warriors with a team of young superheroes coming together to fight crime. This also went on to spawn a movie, where Vayntrub once again returned to play the part of Squirrel Girl. Then, much more recently, Vayntrub was recruited for her voice talents once again to play Squirrel Girl in the video game, Marvel Rivals.
Will Milana Vayntrub Ever Get To Play Squirrel Girl In Live-Action Again?
The MCU Is The Perfect Place For Vayntrub To Play Squirrel Girl
At this point, Milana Vayntrub has become synonymous with the character in certain circles. Her voice becoming the official voice of Squirrel Girl also adds a level of credibility to the idea that she may one day get to tackle the role in real-life. When considering the fate of other Marvel TV shows before Disney+, there have yet to be major crossovers from the shows to the MCU, aside from Daredevil, but with some of the biggest multiverse threats fast approaching, it could be possible for Vayntrub to return relatively soon.
Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars appear to be a promising point for many famous and forgotten heroes to get a chance to join the Sacred Timeline, and aid the heroes of the MCU. Even Channing Tatum’s Gambit had a shot to shine in Deadpool & Wolverine despite never completing the project. With all that in mind, there is no reason that Milana Vayntrub shouldn’t be able to get a chance to play the role of Squirrel Girl in the MCU one day.
