The Top Actresses To Star In A Storm Solo Film

Marvel has dropped the ball. Sidelining one of its most iconic characters in the X-Men franchise was a mistake. They could redeem themselves (and please their fans) by giving Storm her own solo film. These are the actresses who could best portray the legendary Windrider.

1. Storm: Top Casting Choices

So, this is just my opinion, and let me preface by saying Halle Berry is an immensely talented actress. She wasn't right for the role of Storm. At the time of her casting, she was arguably the biggest Black female star in Hollwood. However, there were others who may have been better suited - but that's a list for another day.

In light of the coming X-Men: Age of Apocalypse recasting, I've listed some of the women I think would make a great Ororo.

I had criteria:

the actress had to have experience playing strong leaders. I also took physical appearance into consideration. Though this list features Black women of all hues, it was important that the list leaned toward those of the darker hue. Yes, Black people do have a color fixation: we're fixated on the fact that Hollywood consistently does everything they can to make Black people as light as possible (here's looking at you, Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone). We celebrate the beauty of the Kenyan goddess by casting women who both represent that look and embody the character.

9. Samira Wiley

Relative newcomer Samira Wiley shows us her guts and strength as Poussey on the Netflix hit Orange is the New Black.

8. Nicole Beharie

With her starring turn on Fox's Sleepy Hollow, we know Nicole can lead a film. Her debut in 2008's American Violet let us know that this was a woman to watch.

7. Gugu Mbatha Raw

I know what I said about skin tone, but talent is talent and Gugu has it in spades. From Belle to Beyond The Lights, Gugu has proven herself a force to be reckoned with.

6. Sonequa Martin-Green

The first of two The Waking Dead femme fatales on our list, Sonequa has had a strong presence since I first noticed her on ABC's Once Upon A Time as the deceitful Tamara. Sonequa's tough-as-nails performance as Sasha, though, is what places her on our list.

5. Rutina Welsey

Tara, Tara, Tara! Kickboxer. Waitress. Witch. Vampire. Is there anything Rutina can't do? Oh don't forget - she can dance, too! 2007's How She Moves, in addition to True Blood, proves her capacity to endure Storm's physical demands.

4. Naomie Harris

She's a frickin BOND GIRL! I shouldn't have to say more, but if you're not convinced by that, check out her turn as Winnie Mandela in Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom. Though layered, Storm's defining quality is her gravity (no pun intended) which Naomie could pull off with ease.

3. Yaya Alafia

Yaya is definitely one to watch. Anyone who knows anything about Yaya knows that she embodies many of Storm's characteristics. She's regal, she's commanding and most importantly principled.

2. Danai Gurira

Simply put: Michonne kicks ass. We would love to see Danai in something other than walker brown. Say, maybe a black body suit and a tiara with a gemtstone? Dani has a strength and compassion that scream Storm.

1. Lupita Ny'ongo

Lupita has it all. Aside from having more star power than anyone else on the list, Lupita, like Danai, is an African woman. She's Kenyan for crying out loud. Not to mention, Lupita is multi-lingual, which will allow her to convincingly pull off the accent that Halle gave up on after the first X-Men. If you ever listen to Lupita's acceptance speeches, close your eyes and picture her commanding a team of X-Men before a dangerous mission. Lupita is Storm!

(Sidenote: Marvel, get with the merchandising. There are t-shirts, backpacks and costumes with DC's Lady Trinity all over the place. I'm sure you can make a brand of Marvel's First Ladies - including Storm.)