Actress Playing 'Smartest MCU Character' Criticized For Skipping Vaccine

Letitia Wright debuted in the lineup of films released by the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the character Shuri. Little sister to the Black Panther character and playing a lead in the origin story, Shuri was considered "the smartest character in the MCU" by the franchise's lead producer and one of its prominent directors.

Now, the actress behind the Shuri character finds herself in the midst of criticism on social media, and within Hollywood circles, for voicing her decision to not get vaccinated.

Letitia's previous comment regarding the COVID-19 vaccine reads: “I don’t understand vaccines medically, but I’ve always been a little bit of a skeptic of them.”

Media outlets have tried connecting her vocal Christian faith to the decision and characterized her involvement as detrimental to all upcoming productions until she gets vaccinated.

A source from the new film's ongoing production told The Hollywood Reporter that Wright's on-set discussions regarding the vaccine has spawned concern over potential shutdowns — should cases start to arise during the production, leading to millions of dollars in losses for the respective movie studio — along with trepidations on allowing Wright to share "anti-vaccine sentiments."

Marvel producer Kevin Feige has hinted at an elevated role for Wright's character since the passing of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman — suggesting she may even take up the mantle of the titular character. Wright is working on the sequel's production, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but now appears to be on a contentious path with the Walt Disney-owned Marvel Studios due to her vaccine stance.

Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela