Well, that was a fun couple of months. Back in May, we reported Marvel was courting Selma director Ava DuVernay to helm either the upcoming Black Panther or Captain Marvel film. Then, last month, rumor had it she signed on to direct Black Panther. Now, it looks like that last one was at least partially true: Variety reports DuVernay met with Marvel execs about the Chadwick Boseman-starring film, but will not be directing it. So let’s get the rumor machine started again, because let’s face it: there’s a lot of directors out there, and they’re not going to start rumors about their involvement themselves, people. (Well, most of them won’t—sit down, Uwe Boll.)
DuVernay said she wasn’t able to come to an understanding with the studio about a vision for the film. “I loved meeting Chadwick and writers and all the Marvel execs,” DuVernay said. “In the end, it comes down to story and perspective. And we just didn’t see eye to eye. Better for me to realize that now than cite creative differences later…I love the character of Black Panther, the nation of Wakanda and all that that could be visually. I wish them well and will be first in line to see it.”
Given that the film is scheduled for a November 2017 release, Marvel is no doubt hoping to lock in another director as quickly as possible. So here goes: I hear David O. Russell is in talks to direct Black Panther! I hear Marvel is holding a duel between Vincenzo Natali and Pete Travis and the winner will direct! I hear Brett Ratner is sabotaging everyone else! I heard he controls the weather and wrote the screenplay to Glitter! There, that should get things going.