Though there have been many strong female characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel is the first time that Marvel Studios brings its fans a female superhero standalone film. The film sees Brie Larson play Carol Danvers, a highly skilled soldier of Star Force, an elite Kree peacekeeping force, separated from her troop when she crash lands on the planet Earth. Determined to reunite with her team, she soon discovers that she has a deep connection with this planet, and starts to search for the clues that could help unlock the memories of her mysterious past.

We were invited to attend the Captain Marvel press junket with our fellow journalists to talk to Larson, Lashana Lynch (Maria Rambeau), Jude Law (Yon Rogg), and Gemma Chan (Doctor Minerva). Additionally, MCU alum members Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) and Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson) also attended to chat about appearing in the upcoming film.

As much as this is a continuation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel holds so much more meaning for the studio. It’s Marvel Studios’ first female standalone film, and one with such an empowering message and a character who will be a symbol of inspiration to everyone, especially young girls. And that would not have been possible without directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who took their character-driven story approach to the upcoming film. Find out more about their leap from small films to Marvel Studio blockbuster tentpoles below.