Secret Invasion director Ali Selim had the task of directing the latest chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite knowing that he would have to pass the Nick Fury baton to Nia DaCosta’s upcoming film, The Marvels, Selim remained focused on the story at hand. He wanted to tell the tale of an aging Fury and his struggle to stop a Skrull rebellion for which he holds some responsibility.
Selim explains that the coordination with The Marvels team was not a lengthy process. It involved discussions about where they needed Fury to be, and Selim would then incorporate that into the story. He humbly acknowledges that these decisions were above his pay grade.
The plot of Secret Invasion revolves around Gravik, the leader of the Skrull rebellion, who seeks to incite a war between the United States and Russia in order for the Skrulls to take over Earth. Interestingly, the tension between the US and Russia in real life, particularly due to the invasion of Ukraine, coincided with the show’s storyline. Selim believes that these real-life parallels add to the show’s realism and grounding, as the stakes in the story involve Earth and humanity.
During a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Selim discusses how he convinced Marvel to create a mature espionage thriller. He explains that it wasn’t his responsibility to convince them, as they already had the intention to make such a film. He was chosen for the project due to his experience working on other espionage-related projects, such as The Looming Tower. Selim’s understanding of the grounded world of trust, suspicion, and paranoia aligned with the tone Marvel wanted for Secret Invasion.
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Selim reflects on his overall experience working with Marvel, noting that he had no expectations going into the job. He describes Marvel as the pinnacle of storytelling in the industry and was curious to see how they operated. He found the process to be different from anything he had experienced before but ultimately rewarding. Marvel’s commitment to refining the story until it is clear, thrilling, and emotional was instructive for Selim.
The director also shares his thoughts on specific scenes in the show. He expresses that every day on set was special for him, as he had the opportunity to work with talented actors and witness their craft. Selim mentions the train scene featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn as a particularly exciting moment, as the two actors are close friends and have different working styles. He also highlights the emotional truth achieved in a scene between Don Cheadle and Jackson, mentioning that their similar acting styles made the experience quite different.
Selim draws a parallel between directing and coaching Little League. He believes that the greatest lessons he learned in directing came from coaching children who have different needs and learning styles. Similarly, actors may have different techniques, but they all strive to achieve the emotional truth of the scene. Selim’s role as a director is to help them reach that goal while staying true to themselves.
The release date of Secret Invasion was subject to changes, like many other Marvel projects. However, Selim explains that he didn’t feel the need to adjust the story based on other projects or release date changes. The focus was always on delivering a clear, emotionally truthful, and thrilling story. The inclusion of Nick Fury in The Marvels required coordination with that team, but Selim describes those conversations as simple and above his pay grade.
Selim reveals that the forehead embrace between Fury and the Skrulls was an exploration of different ways to establish a connection between the characters. It was a collaborative effort between Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, and the creative team to find something unique. The gesture symbolizes their bond as beings not from Earth.
Addressing the show’s real-life parallel, the conflict between the US and Russia, Selim acknowledges the coincidence and serendipity of the timing. However, he appreciates how it adds to the show’s realism and grounding. The stakes in Secret Invasion involve Earth and humanity, which makes the real-life conflict more relevant.
Selim also discusses his favorite shots in the show, emphasizing that every shot serves the story. He believes that if a shot stands out for any reason, it means they have failed at their job as storytellers.
In conclusion, Ali Selim’s experience directing Secret Invasion has been a rewarding one. He had the opportunity to work with Marvel, witness their storytelling process, and collaborate with talented actors. The real-life parallels and the tone of the show only add to its authenticity and make it feel more grounded. Selim’s role as a director, influenced by his experience coaching Little League, is to guide actors toward reaching the emotional truth of their scenes.
