With the release of the first Captain Marvel trailer [1], I am shaking and ready to be indoctrinated with the gospel of Carol Danvers. I'm not just excited because this is the first Marvel film with a female lead front and centre, although that is a major sticking point (along with the '90s-tastic setting and delightful Blockbuster cameo [2]). On an even larger scale, this one badass lady may just be the key to saving the Avengers. Yeah, she literally may be able to undo the damage of the mighty Thanos.

How powerful is Captain Marvel, you ask? Well, with the full range of abilities she possesses [3], she's quite the worthy foe. She has the powers of flight, enhanced strength, and durability and can shoot concussive energy bursts — that's something we even get to see in the trailer. What's more, she may have some of the abilities attributed to Mar-Vell in the comic books, since he will "be a mentor-like figure as [Carol Danvers] comes into her powers" in the film. (Jude Law [4] will do the honours.)

That skillset packs quite a wallop: the ability to "metabolise solar energy and convert it for a variety of uses, including superhuman strength, the projection of photon energy blasts, and flight," according to the comics. There's also something called "Cosmic Awareness," which could increase intellect and grant "limited precognitive powers and the ability to ascertain an opponent's weakness."

So there you have it. Truth be told, Captain Marvel will be more of an origin story [5], but once she fully realises her abilities, she's a force to be reckoned with. In fact, she may become one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel universe at full potential. And given her close relationship to Nick Fury [6] and her sort-of appearance [7] in the postcredits scene for Avengers: Infinity War [8], Thanos should absolutely be worried. The universe is in good hands.