Looking at Marvel Studios' Phase 3 slate, they have enlisted a talented group of directors, both experienced and new. James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2), Peyton Reed (Ant-Man and the Wasp), and Joe and Anthony Russo (Avengers: Infinity War) have all re-enlisted in the MCU, while Jon Watts (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok), and Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) make their first entries. One more new face will join the latter group at some point, once Marvel names their first female director to date with Captain Marvel.
Early last year, Marvel had hoped to announce their choice by the summer, presumably at SDCC where they confirmed Brie Larson would star. However, the project continues to be the lone announced Marvel film without a director attached, and that may not change for some time.
Variety's Justin Kroll gave a small update on the Captain Marvel director search this week when responding to a question regarding the status of the film. According to Kroll, Marvel is "in no rush" to name a director and the current hold up remains getting a script that they like.
As Kroll was quick to point out, there is really no reason why Marvel should be in a hurry to make this decision. They are already filming Black Panther and the next two Avengers films in Atlanta, with Ant-Man and the Wasp set to follow with a summer start date. Even if Marvel had a director attached at this point, all she would be doing is waiting on the script to be finished like everybody else.
Larson's casting figured to help expedite the process, with Feige saying immediately after that they have a shortlist of 10 contenders to direct. This list has since dwindled to three, or maybe four, and even with one producer promising an announcement on the horizon, it has yet to be made. Even Feige himself expected to have a director by the end of 2016, but this should not be looked at as a sign of trouble.
As unfair as it might be, Marvel has to be extra careful in choosing their first female director in order to best guarantee her success. It's not just important from a story perspective, but also for the future of the MCU (and some could point to the future prospects of women directors landing high profile films). Marvel could see this "burden" alleviated or increased depending on Wonder Woman's reception, but they know that making a great female centric superhero film led by a female director is important for everyone. Having them take their time to complete the script before hiring a director makes it more likely the film will be set up for success. So, fans should be patient with Marvel as they make their decision.
Next: Captain Marvel Script Treatment Almost Done
Source: Justin Kroll
