The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been very successful. Even though Jurassic World broke The Avengers’ record for largest opening weekend of all time, Marvel’s super heroes are still bringing in the cash. While they’ve been financially successful, they haven’t really been successful in terms of diversity.
Up to this point, the list of those who have directed Marvel’s movies has looked a lot like the membership at Augusta National Golf Club: white and male. That has all changed, though, as Ava DuVernay has been hired to direct Black Panther.
Ava DuVernay is a talented director who also happens to be an African-American woman. She directed the critically acclaimed Selma and has now been given control of T’Challa, the king of Wakanda. I’m excited to see what she brings to Black Panther because her perspective will differ significantly from any of Marvel’s other directors.
On this week’s episode of The Christian Nerd Podcast, Ron and I attempted to have a conversation about racism in the United States. In light of the shootings in South Carolina, we felt compelled to discuss racism, even though neither of us have ever really experienced it. Part of our discussion involved becoming more aware of different voices and opinions, listening to stories that differ from our own. DuVernay’s story is different from mine and I’m excited that she’ll be able to share some of that story through Black Panther.
Marvel has hired a woman director before. Patty Jenkins was hired to direct Thor: The Dark World but left that project, which eventually ended up in the hands of Alan Taylor. Hopefully DuVernay will see this project to completion, bringing her unique perspective to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
How much do you know about Black Panther? Are you looking forward to his movie?
Don’t know anything about Black Panther but shout out to my hometown of Augusta (even though it’s a negative shout out hahaha)!
I should make a trip to the ATL so that we can hang out. I’d love to get your perspective on growing up in the south with a golf club that until recently didn’t allow minorities or women as members.