The female-driven superhero movie god giveth, and the female-driven superhero movie god taketh away…
Just as we get the news that Nicole Perlman and Meg LeFauve are being eyeballed to write CAPTAIN MARVEL for Marvel/Disney, we now have word that Michelle MacLaren has jumped ship from WB/DC’s WONDER WOMAN flick.
You may remember that WB looked at a bunch of female directors for the gig, but settled on BREAKING BAD and GAME OF THRONES vet MacLaren in the end. Now, they’re citing “creative differences,” and are now looking for a new helmer so they can make their June 2017 release date.
Is it possible that Marvel somehow scooped her up for their own female-driven superhero flick, CAPTAIN MARVEL?
Gal Gadot is still set to star as the titular character. She was hired for BATMAN V. SUPERMAN, so it’s uncertain how much work MacLaren actually put into her solo flick, but now the hunt is on for her replacement.
One dream pick: Joss Whedon. Sure he’s been Mr. Marvel until now, but he’s announced that he’s “taking a break” from the company, which arguably seems to be as concerned with world-building these days as they are with providing filmmakers with creative opportunities. Don’t forget that Joss had his own WW flick off the ground 10 years ago (remember that poster?), and has shown a clear affinity for the character throughout his career. Plus, his hire would probably deflect any suspicion that MacLaren’s exit was due to a hostile, unnurturing working environment; after all, why would Whedon want to get involved with something like that?
Obviously, if they are still set on getting a lady to direct this, then Whedon’s pretty much ruled out. But when dream picks like Kathryn Bigelow and Lexi Alexander are virtual impossibilities, and with MacLaren out of the picture, the question becomes how many big names in the female director pool are left? Suggestions?
WONDER WOMAN breaks out the bracelets on June 23rd, 2017.
