The internet’s relationship with Brie Larson has been rockier than a mountain path in Skyrim. Since taking on the role of Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel, she’s been the target of relentless criticism that often crosses the line from film critique into something much uglier.
But while one corner of the internet (read: trolls) continues its exhausting crusade against her, another has embraced her with open arms: gamers. Yes, the same demographic often (unfairly) stereotyped as the source of online toxicity has found common ground with Larson through her genuine love of gaming—particularly her long-standing relationship with Nintendo.
And now, as Larson dips her toes into the frozen lakes of Skyrim for the first time, it might be the perfect moment to reconsider the narrative that’s followed her for years. Because nothing humanizes a person quite like watching them get excited about slaying their first dragon or choosing between the Stormcloaks and the Empire.
When Captain Marvel meets the gaming community
Brie Larson‘s gaming credentials aren’t new, though you might think otherwise from some of the cynical responses to her recent Skyrim adventures. The actress has been open about her gaming passion since long before donning the Captain Marvel suit.
Brie Larson is a Nintendo Switch gamer and says her main in #SmashBros is Zero Suit Samus 🎮
She’s currently playing #Skyrim pic.twitter.com/Rr4ptI3rRS
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) February 26, 2025
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) February 26, 2025
This isn’t some calculated PR move—Larson’s gaming history runs deep. She celebrated her 15th birthday with a Nintendo-themed party and has described herself as “a deep Nintendo lover through and through.” She’s even appeared in Nintendo Switch commercials, for crying out loud.
Yet the comments section still fills with predictable accusations: “she’s doing this just for attention,” “fake gamer girl,” and other tired clichés that women in gaming spaces have probably heard a thousand times before. It’s the same playbook used against her Captain Marvel performance—dismiss, discredit, repeat.
She’s a “gamer” and her first time playing Skyrim is on the Switch? K.
— Pingu McMuffin (@JebusMcMuffin) February 27, 2025
She prob ran several focus groups before coming out with this PR move lmao
— HelioWave (@heliodown) February 27, 2025
The irony is palpable. The same folks who complain about Larson “not smiling enough” as Captain Marvel are now upset that she’s… smiling too much while playing video games? Pick a lane, people.
What’s refreshing is seeing genuine enthusiasm from others who recognize authentic gaming excitement when they see it:
FIRST time??? Honestly, good for her, she has SO much to discover & enjoy 🥹 Still remember my days of running my 360 HOT playing Skyrim until it’d freeze 😂💜
— 🌙Anu (@Anvkii) February 27, 2025
i fucking love this, i hope she has a fucking blast playing
— Commander ‘Mortimer’ Zavala 🇵🇸 (@VanguardsLeader) February 27, 2025
The truth is, gaming has always been Larson’s escape. During her three-year acting hiatus after Captain Marvel, she turned to personal interests like gaming rather than taking roles she felt were just variations of her character in Room (via Harper’s Bazaar). That doesn’t sound like someone playing games for clout—it sounds like someone who genuinely finds joy in them.
From Nintendo ambassador to potential Metroid movie star?
Beyond casual gaming, Larson has established herself as a legitimate Nintendo enthusiast. Her love for the company’s games isn’t just passing interest—it’s a consistent thread throughout her life and career.
Her character preference in Super Smash Bros. is particularly telling. Zero Suit Samus isn’t exactly a button-masher’s choice—she requires technical skill and practice to master. It’s the kind of detail that separates casual fans from dedicated players.
Bre Larson would make a good Samus
— Joe LaBallister (@ComicFilmFreak) February 27, 2025
I mean at this point it gotta happen 😂 pic.twitter.com/5V5daoGISc
— Gupremes (@Gupremes) February 27, 2025
This connection to Samus has sparked speculation about Larson potentially starring in a Metroid adaptation—something she’s openly expressed interest in. Back in 2018, she even tweeted about wanting to play the bounty hunter, long before her current gaming content.
Now she’s venturing into Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch, a platform choice that’s drawn its own share of criticism. But anyone who’s played Skyrim on the go knows there’s something magical about battling dragons during your commute, even with graphical compromises.
The gaming community has an opportunity here. We can continue the tired tradition of gatekeeping and skepticism, or we can welcome another genuine enthusiast into the fold—regardless of her day job as an Oscar-winning actress who happens to play a superhero.
What do you think about the reception to Larson’s gaming content? Should we be more welcoming to celebrities who share our hobbies, or is skepticism warranted? Share your thoughts below!
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
