‘Doctor Strange 2’ Star Xochitl Gomez Explains Why She ‘Might Cry’ Watching Her MCU Debut

variety.com:

Angelique Jackson Talk about a Sweet 16 to remember!“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” star Xochitl Gomez celebrated her birthday on April 29, and on Monday night Marvel fans lined up outside the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood surprised her with a spontaneous rendition of “Happy Birthday” to mark the occasion.The young actor, who stars as America Chavez — the teenage LGBTQ+ Latina superhero who jumps through the multiverse via star-shaped portals — was visibly surprised and moved by the gesture, giggling in response to the chorus.

Gomez had just finished explaining to Variety that she was trying to keep her cool at the event when the singing began.“This is going to be like one of the lifetime experiences for me, honestly,” Gomez said about watching the finished film with fans. “I know that Benedict [Cumberbatch] and Lizzie [Olsen] have gone to their movie premieres; they’ve seen themselves on the screen, but this is a whole other thing for me.” Gomez had seen earlier versions of the film but Monday night’s premiere was her first time viewing the completed version with a venue filled with fans.“I’m really excited.

I might cry,” she said, quickly attempting to talk herself out of the emotions. “No, I’m not gonna cry.”For any actor, starring in a Marvel movie is a big deal, given the these blockbuster movies have career-altering potential.

But despite the fact she’d already walked the red carpet for other Marvel titles, including “Black Widow,” “Shang-Chi,” “Hawkeye” and Sony’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” this moment was something else entirely.“It’s absolutely crazy,” she shared.Taking up the mantle of America Chavez comes with some weight — the character not only furthers representation for women and people of.