Marvel Studios plans to add some much needed diversity to their lineup in the coming years. Phase 3 will feature the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first female led superhero film in "Captain Marvel" as well as the first black lead in "Black Panther." Accompanying one or both of these films will hopefully be some diversity behind the scenes as well.
All 11 Marvel movies to date (in addition to Warner Bros./DC's "Man of Steel," "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice," and "Suicide Squad") have been/will be helmed by a white man. Both Marvel and DC have come under fire for their dealings with female directors (Patty Jenkins and Michelle MacLaren, respectively). That's why it's good to see Marvel, both from a cultural and creative standpoint, eye "Selma" director Ava Duvernay to direct one of the planned Marvel films, according to The Wrap.
DuVernay caught the attention of all movie goers last year with "Selma," which featured David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. as he marched in 1965 for equal voting rights. The film received significant critical praise and snagged an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a nomination for Best Picture. Should DuVernay sign on for "Black Panther" or "Captain Marvel," it will be the third time Marvel has lured a director from an Oscar-winning film (Kenneth Branagh and Joe Johnston being the others).
DuVernay has proven to be a powerful story teller who is able to capture the importance of small moments. That unique view qualifies her to helm bigger projects regardless of race or gender. But at the same time, Marvel's films have been a bit one-note. Granted, that one note is highly entertaining, but there isn't much that differentiates between each film. Brining on a deserving change in perspective may enable a film to stand out a bit more from its MCU predecessors.
The Wrap reports that there is "mutual interest" between DuVernay and Marvel. Here's to hoping the two sides are able to come to an agreement.
