Yetide Badaki has never been shy about her admiration for Ororo Munroe, the iconic Marvel Comics character known as Storm. The Nigerian-born actress, widely recognized for her portrayal of Bilquis in the Starz series American Gods, has made it clear that stepping into the role of the omega-level mutant would be a dream come true.
For years, fans have envisioned Badaki as the perfect choice to bring Storm to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With her commanding screen presence, deep connection to the character, and an outspoken desire to explore Storm’s untapped potential, she has become one of the most popular fan casts for the role.
The Actress’ Personal Connection to Storm
Badaki’s passion for Storm is deeply personal. In a recent statement, she reflected on how the character inspired her when she first moved to the United States as a child. Watching X-Men cartoons, she found a hero who not only looked like her but also embodied strength, wisdom, and resilience.
“How I adore Storm, also known as Hadari Yao, the omega-level mutant that she is,” Badaki said. “I am deeply humbled by the incredible fan response. People understand how much I love and respect the character and that I will absolutely put my all into bringing her to the screen.”
Storm’s journey is one that Badaki believes has not yet been fully explored in live action. She is a character with an extraordinary history, from her origins in Kenya to her rise as one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel universe. Despite making her cinematic debut in 2000’s X-Men and being portrayed by both Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp, fans argue that Storm has yet to receive the depth of storytelling she deserves.
A Call for a Standalone Storm Film
Badaki is not just interested in playing Storm. She is advocating for a solo film that would finally give Ororo Munroe the spotlight she has long deserved.
“I strongly believe that it is beyond time for a standalone Storm movie,” Badaki emphasized. “We truly need the opportunity to finally explore her journey in live action on the big screen.”
The actress envisions a film that is not overshadowed by spectacle but instead focuses on the core of who Storm is as a character.
“I personally would strip back from the spectacle that can sometimes overtake a great film and go back to the gritty basics,” she explained. “The film needs to be fully character-driven, with the spectacle of effects being just an added bonus. Who is Ororo Munroe? What are her greatest fears? How does she find her strength and push through the most daunting of obstacles? Why do we care so much about her and her story? What do we learn about ourselves and see reflected back in her journey?”
Fans Rally Behind Yetide Badaki as Storm
The idea of Badaki playing Storm has gained widespread support across social media. Marvel fans have been vocal about their desire to see her take on the role, with many praising her dedication and passion.
One fan tweeted, “Yetide Badaki as MCU Storm would be great. Marvel’s desire to dive deep into Storm’s African rain goddess roots with Badaki brings new insight into multiple layers of the character to explore. She has the experience, personality, and expression to take on the most iconic X-Men.”
Another fan wrote, “Yetide Badaki is slowly becoming my number one pick for Storm.”
The sentiment is echoed by many who see her as the ideal actress to redefine Storm for a new generation.
A Longstanding Campaign to Join the MCU
Badaki’s interest in joining the MCU is not new. She has been vocal about her desire to play Storm for years, frequently engaging with fans and sharing her love for the character.
In 2019, she took to Twitter to directly express her interest, tagging Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. Her message was clear:
“I don’t think this comes as a surprise to anyone, but as a dark-skinned woman of African origin, I’d love to play #Storm.”
Her advocacy for accurate representation has only strengthened her case. Fans have long called for Storm to be portrayed by a dark-skinned actress who fully embodies the character’s African heritage. Badaki, who has championed diversity and authentic storytelling throughout her career, has emerged as a top choice for this reason.
What This Could Mean for the Future of the MCU
With Marvel Studios preparing to introduce the X-Men into the MCU, the casting of Storm will be a critical decision. As one of the most beloved and powerful mutants in the franchise, her introduction could shape the future of Marvel’s storytelling.
While there has been no official confirmation regarding casting decisions, the overwhelming fan support for Badaki makes her a strong contender. Given her clear passion, deep understanding of the character, and experience playing powerful, otherworldly figures, she could bring a fresh and authentic perspective to Storm in the MCU.
As Marvel Studios continues to expand its universe, the question remains—will Yetide Badaki get the chance to make her dream a reality? If the fans have any say, the answer is a resounding yes.
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