How The MCU Got So BIG
4. Hiring Up-And-Coming Directors
Things dipped after The Avenger’ success, particularly with Thor: Dark World. Director Patty Jenkins quit, later citing she didn’t want the first female-led superhero film to be such a let-down.
Alan Taylor, who took over, called his experience "particularly wrenching”. While Joss Whedon returned for Age of Ultron, it wasn't the critical hit The Avengers was. Marvel had to change, and change it did.
James Gunn was a relatively unknown director. He had only directed two feature films, along with writing for the Scooby-Doo movies. Despite this inexperience, Gunn was hired to write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy amidst strong competition. Joss Whedon said on the decision:
“He is so off the wall, and so crazy, but so smart, such a craftsman and he builds from his heart.”
Guardians of the Galaxy was a complete tonal and thematic overhaul than what preceded it. The Avengers delivered the heroic crossover fans were drooling for, but Guardians of the Galaxy experimented with unknown characters on a much more light-hearted romp. It quickly became a fan favourite.
It’s risky bringing in untested directors to a franchise as big as the MCU. Yet these directors brought new ideas and voices to the table.
Giving up-and-coming directors total creative freedom and budgets they merely dreamed of beforehand produced superhero films that felt like totally different genres. Winter Soldier unfolds like a political thriller, while Black Panther is a celebration of black culture and empowerment.
In a sense, the MCU went back to its roots. Jon Favreau was directing indie and family films before Iron Man. Taika Waititi excelled at oddball comedies, and the Russo Brothers worked with diverse casts on TV shows.
However, Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Infinity War are some of the highest-rated Marvel movies.
In fact, Marvel movies that actively pushed away from the superhero genre are rated the highest critically and by the audience. Letting directors play to their strengths not only yielded stellar films, but also kept the MCU hella fresh.