Despite rumors to the contrary, Ava DuVernay has revealed that she won’t be directing Marvel’s Black Panther.
A few months back, we reported that director Ava DuVernay had been courted by Marvel, who sought her for their upcoming superhero movie Black Panther.
But today, Essence exclusively learned that DuVernay has chosen to pass on the project, citing creative differences.
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“I’m not signing on to direct Black Panther,” DuVernay reveals. “I think I’ll just say we had different ideas about what the story would be.”
Echoing sentiments expressed by Thor 2 director Alan Taylor and Avengers‘ Joss Whedon, DuVernay explains, “Marvel has a certain way of doing things … in the end, it comes down to story and perspective. And we just didn’t see eye to eye.”
She does clarify that there are no hard feelings, saying, “I think they’re fantastic, and a lot of people love what they do. I loved that they reached out to me.”
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Further, DuVernay hints that she did get a little attached to the project before making her decision.
“I love the character of Black Panther, the nation of Wakanda and all that that could be visually,” she says. “I wish them well and will be first in line to see it.”
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther will be Marvel’s first (and so far only) superhero movie led by a person of color, and DuVernay would have been the studio’s first POC director.
While Marvel continues searching for a Black Panther director, we’re also waiting to learn who will be helming Captain Marvel, the studio’s first female-led superhero movie.
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Last we heard, Angelina Jolie was Marvel’s top choice, but it’ll be interesting to see whether she can get on board with the studio’s plans.
Otherwise, we suppose there’s always the Russo Brothers…