With Marvel presenting Brie Larson as “Captain Marvel” at the San Diego Comic Con this summer, it was easy to forget the movie still didn’t have a director. But it looks like the studio is zeroing in one who will helm their first superhero movie led by a woman.
THR reports that Niki Caro (“Whale Rider,” “North Country,” the upcoming “The Zookeeper’s Wife” starring Jessica Chastain), Lorene Scafaria (“Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World,” “The Meddler“) and TV veteran Lesli Linka Glatter (“Twin Peaks,” “Homeland,” “Mad Men“) are all on the shortlist for the gig. Jennifer Kent (“The Babadook“) and Jennifer Yuh (“Kung Fu Panda“) were both in contention, but didn’t make the grade here, though earlier this year, Kent made it sound like she actually wasn’t that interested in doing a Marvel movie anyway.
With a few years still to go until the movie opens, Marvel is taking their time. Each of the directors will have to give a presentation to the studio, after which point the choice will be made, and Marvel is in no big rush considering the film is still a few years off. Certainly, the trio has more than enough experience each, and it’s worth a reminder that while none of them have directed a major blockbuster, the same was true of the Russos, who quickly acclimated to the Marvel machine, worked with their great team of technical folks, and have become some of the best in the superhero game. Any of the three would be a good choice, with each bringing a strong command of the craft.
“Captain Marvel” opens on March 8, 2019.