Nia DaCosta, the director of the upcoming superhero film “The Marvels,” recently opened up about her experience working on the project. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she revealed that she reached out to fellow Marvel directors for support during production.
DaCosta admitted that while she loved filming “The Marvels,” there were days when she felt overwhelmed and stressed. She would often text Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” to vent about her feelings. She recalled moments on set where she questioned the meaning of certain scenes or actors struggled to react to visual effects that were added in post-production.
To help alleviate her fears and concerns, Marvel encouraged DaCosta to speak with other directors in the franchise. She spoke to Chloé Zhao (“Eternals”), Taika Waititi (“Thor”), and James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) and jokingly asked if Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, was going to “kill her and destroy her soul.” They assured her that Feige was just a “good guy who was a nerd.”
DaCosta also sought advice from Ryan Coogler, the director of “Black Panther,” before entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Coogler advised her to be herself, and she took that advice to heart throughout the production of “The Marvels.” She believed that being true to herself was essential, even if Marvel decided to take some ideas and leave others.
As the youngest director in the Marvel franchise and the first Black woman to helm one of its films, DaCosta brings a unique perspective to “The Marvels.” She explained that when she goes into a room to discuss her ideas, she focuses on what she wants to do rather than what the company may expect from her. This approach has helped her stand out and bring her vision to the screen.
Before joining the MCU, DaCosta co-wrote and directed “Candyman,” a critically and commercially successful film. She credits Jordan Peele, who produced “Candyman,” as one of her mentors. She learned from him how to be fearless and navigate the studio system while maintaining artistic integrity. Peele’s success as both a critically acclaimed and commercially successful filmmaker inspired her to hold both aspects in balance.
While working on “Candyman,” DaCosta faced challenges related to her gender, race, and age. Some crew members made inappropriate comments that targeted these aspects of her identity. However, on “The Marvels,” DaCosta had more control over the hiring process and was able to surround herself with supportive and respectful individuals.
DaCosta realized that the most important aspect of her career was the people she worked with. It wasn’t about accumulating power or winning awards, but about building a team of talented and respectful individuals. She expressed surprise at the level of respect she received from experienced professionals in the industry.
In conclusion, Nia DaCosta’s experience directing “The Marvels” has been a mixture of joy, stress, and personal growth. She leaned on her fellow Marvel directors for support and advice and found strength in being true to herself. As the franchise’s youngest director and the first Black woman in the role, DaCosta’s unique perspective and vision will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on “The Marvels” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole.
