Marvel at Her! 8 March 2019 by Visit Blackpool Standing shoulder to shoulder with a female pilot, today, on International Women’s Day, Madame Tussauds Blackpool launches its brand new Captain Marvel wax figure. A former US Airforce pilot who rose to security director at NASA, Captain Marvel embodies strength and achievement and was perfect to inspire Astrid Herz, a pilot from Thomas Cook Airlines. Captain Marvel represents a celebration of those who push themselves to be the best they can be, whatever that means for them individually. Commenting on the figure, Thomas Cook Airlines pilot Astrid said: “I find the character so inspiring. She represents the opportunity to encourage more women to consider a career in aviation – a trade that is traditionally male dominated. She never apologises for her strength, which I love. “I wanted to become a pilot ever since I was young when I received a postcard from my parents on holiday which had a Boeing 747 on the front. I’ve always been drawn in by adventure, and started flying as a teenager. “Although historically it’s been a male dominated industry, this has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. Everyone has a very positive attitude about females in the profession, and it’s lovely that young girls and boys come up to me and say how cool it is that I’m a pilot!” International Women’s Day 2019 is themed around gender balance, Captain Marvel and Astrid show that nothing can hold them back in the airline industry. Matthew Titherington, general manager at Madame Tussauds Blackpool said: “We couldn’t think of a more perfect character than Captain Marvel to arrive on International Women’s Day. We think that her film will inspire many girls to be fearless, single minded and confident in life and know that there’s nothing they can’t achieve if they want to.” Pilot Astrid, added: “I can’t wait to see her in action in her own film. She’s a great role model to not only young girls, but also young boys so show anyone can be a superhero.” The Captain Marvel film also launches today and is the 21st in the Marvel franchise. She’s positioned as the most powerful Super Hero and a fearless heroine. Captain Marvel will be the first female Marvel wax figure to join Madame Tussauds Blackpool’s MARVEL SUPER HERO area. As if something from a classic Marvel comic strip, visitors are invited to interact with their favourite heroes including The Hulk, Thor, Rocket, Groot and Spider-Man.