Anna Daniels
Marvel Studios has managed to land (or should we say the mega-media conglomerate Disney has managed to acquire) several skilled directors to helm Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Installments.
The list of talented directors who have contributed to the MCU goes on and on. Jon Favreau was the man behind Iron Man and Iron Man 2. The Russo Brothers perfectly executed the Infinity Saga’s final bow. Taika Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok set the God of Thunder on a different course — one far away from stoic coldness, towards cocksure humor and a more Avengers-like shtick. And, let us not forget Kenneth Branagh who — though a little off the beaten path — still brought his aptitude for Shakespearean-level drama to Thor’s first outing, aligning with original expectations for the Norse God (given the character’s mythological background).
You may believe that any director would jump at the opportunity to direct a Marvel movie — the career boost to follow would be a nice perk, and the massive budget would virtually put any cinematic desire in reach. Want to film half away across the globe? No problem. Need a private jet, got it! However, one director who has been in the spotlight lately chose to deny the opportunity.
Why Lulu Wang walked away from the MCU
During a Directors Round Table with the Hollywood Reporter — featuring Martin Scorsese, Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig, Lulu Wang, and Fernando Meirelles — Marvel films entered the discussion.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XkP0hRhhWM?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
When asked who at the table has been asked to direct a Marvel film, Lulu Wang rose her hand, a little bit hesitant, and then uttered, “I don’t know if I’m supposed to say that.” Martin Scorsese then went on to explain that he remembers when Disney World was built, and when the studios’ goal was to become as important as that theme park, clarifying some of his earlier statements. Lulu Wang then explained:
“I think you’re making the distinction between cinema…the bigger entertainment things. which is really made by committee, and that’s one of the reasons I don’t want to do it [make a superhero movie] right now because I haven’t figured out my voice as a filmmaker…
Lulu Wang wants to find her voice before jumping into the Marvel world. So, who is Lulu Wang? Why was she asked to make a Marvel movie, and what Marvel movie was she asked to direct?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Ms3QRN3-0?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Who is Lulu Wang?
Lulu Wang is currently gaining recognition for her work The Farewell, starring Awkwafina. While The Farewell definitely put the director on the map, as her name has been uttered in many households since, this was not the director’s first rodeo. Prior to The Farewell, she worked on Posthumous, Touch, and Can-Can. Why was she asked to make a Marvel movie?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RofpAjqwMa8?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Considering Wang boasts a connection to Awkwafina, who will star in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Wang may have been mentioned in the conversation surrounding Shang-Chi. The Eternals and multiple Disney+ shows are also coming out soon, and she may have been tossed around in those talks as well. Guessing which Marvel movie she was asked to direct is nearly impossible; however, hopefully, this talented director will one day lend her skills to the MCU.
Written by: Cheat
