Captain Marvel is in place, with Brie Larson now unveiled as the new Carol Danvers. Now she needs a director to bring her to the screen. Marvel seems to have that in hand too, with The Hollywood Reporter’s sources suggesting that a shortlist of three female filmmakers has been drawn up.
Those directors? Lorene Scafaria (Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World), McFarland, USA’s Niki Caro, and Lesli Linka Glatter, who has more of a TV background with credits including Weeds, Homeland and The Walking Dead. She was Oscar-nominated for a 1985 short and directed Mad Men’s iconic Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency episode, should there be a bit where Carol Danvers swaps her fighter jet for a lawnmower.
(Left to right) Niki Caro, Lorene Scafaria and Lesli Linka Glatter
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the hiring process won’t be done in haste and other candidates may yet be added to the mix. Marvel, of course, is keen to get the pick right and will be looking to ensure the chemistry between star and director is spot-on too.
Captain Marvel’s story sees Larson playing Carol Danvers, a skilled test pilot whose DNA is melded with that of Kree warrior Mar-Vell. Subsequently, she gains powers such as flight, enhanced strength, damage resistance and the ability to absorb and re–channel energy. Guardians Of The Galaxy's Nicole Perlman and Inside Out's Meg LeFauve have written the script.
The absence of female directors making blockbusters has become ever more glaring in recent years, with even a current surfeit of big superhero movies not seeming to open doors to women. Then Patty Jenkins (admittedly, stepping in for Michelle McLaren) took on the Wonder Woman job. Will Marvel follow suit with Captain Marvel? Watch this space.