Fan Reimagines Jenna Ortega As Marvel's White Tiger In Stunning Artwork
Within the Marvel universe of comics, there are many superheroes that have been forgotten due to the passage of time. Thanks to the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptations, audiences are finally learning more about lesser known or forgotten characters. Starting in 2016's "Captain America: Civil War," and continuing in two successful follow-up films set in Wakanda, the character of Black Panther was finally brought to life on the screen. The same was also seen on Disney+ with 2022's "Werewolf by Night," which marked a new beginning in bringing some of these bygone characters to the screen. And who can forget the Christmas-centric "Hawkeye," which brought the lesser-known Kate Bishop to life?
As the MCU continues to expand, it'll have to dig deep into Marvel Comics' reservoir to tell new stories. White Tiger is but one of many of these superheroes that have long been cult favorites. Also known as Ava Ayala, White Tiger's fighting skills and protective streak put her on equal footing with other great Marvel female superheroes.
With the rumors of "Wednesday" star Jenna Ortega possibly joining the MCU's "Daredevil" franchise as the character, fans of the actress are imagining the exciting possibilities. However, casting details for the series "Daredevil: Born Again" have yet to be fully revealed, which means her participation on the upcoming show remains intriguing gossip at best. Still, this has also brought out one artist who reimagined the existing illustrations of White Tiger with the actress' likeness added to stunning effect.
The artist perfectly blends White Tiger's aesthetic with Ortega's facial expressions
Numerous graphic artists have long applied their artistry to bringing to life what we hear as rumor and allowing us to see a composite of what could be. Although it is largely unknown if a new "Daredevil" series featuring Jenna Ortega as White Tiger is in development, there are some stunning images showing her in character. One fan on Instagram known as Arifinity has created two images of Ortega in a rendition of the superhero's costume. The first design features the actress out of her mask staring forward at the viewer and the second places White Tiger's helmet over her face. Both artistic pictures generated praise from commenters, with @liam_64387 sharing, "Good casting, maybe that could happened in 'Daredevil: Born Again.'"
Another commentator had a different opinion on who they wished Ortega to play, with @thedomz90 stating, "She'd be a better Jessica Cruz aka green lantern." White Tiger did appear in animated form in the Disney XD series "Ultimate Spider-Man," which also has some wondering if the hero would even fit well in a "Daredevil" property. Redditor u/ValmisKing observed, "I love white tiger (I've only seen her in the 'Ultimate Spider-Man' show) but I don't think her character would fit as well in a Daredevil show than it would in like a 'Black Panther' or 'Iron Fist' series."
If Arifinity's art is anything to go by, Jenna Ortega is a great choice for the part.
Who is White Tiger?
While Affinity clearly sees the vision for Jenna Ortega stepping into the role of White Tiger, it's possible that many might not know who the character is. White Tiger debuted in 1975, with the character making their first appearance in Marvel's "Deadly Hands of Kung Fu" #19. The moniker of White Tiger was initially taken on by Hector Ayala, who used the power of the Jade Tiger amulets to transform into the hero. The amulets afforded Ayala the strength, dexterity, and skills of a powerful martial artist, making him a true force to be reckoned with. Considered to be Marvel's first Latino superhero, the first iteration of the White Tiger brushed shoulders with other New York City heroes, including Spider-Man and Daredevil.
The moniker of the White Tiger was passed down for several generations, eventually landing on Ava Ayala, Hector's younger sister. Ava also happens to be the aunt of Angela del Toro, another Marvel heroine who possesses the powers of the White Tiger. Ava inherits the Jade Tiger amulet from her brother and decides to hone her powers by joining the Avengers Academy.
Having Jenna Ortega step into the role of the White Tiger would certainly be interesting, especially as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to focus on more diverse stories and characters. Though it remains to be seen if Ortega will join "Daredevil: Born Again," the comics have frequently shown the Man With No Fear joining the White Tiger on adventures.