The Marvels director Nia DaCosta becomes the first black woman to helm a film in MCU history

As the grand premiere of The Marvels, the upcoming film from Marvel Cinematic Universe, draws closer, fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of a powerful female trio who will unite to save the world. The movie stars Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Teyonah Parris as the leads, and is directed by Nia DaCosta, who made history as the youngest director ever to helm an MCU film after her success with Candyman.

Nia found post-production to be the most challenging aspect of making The Marvels, as the film is closely linked to Captain Marvel, the Ms. Marvel TV show, and other future films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige believes in prioritising individual movies over the grander framework of the studio’s storytelling, Feige had commented “The overarching narrative is secondary to the narrative of the individual film.” But Nia was fully cognisant that she’d been hired by a powerful entity to do a job. “It is a Kevin Feige production, it’s his movie,” she says. “So I think you live in that reality, but I tried to go in with the knowledge that some of you is going to take a back seat.”

Breaking multiple barriers in the American film industry, Nia also became the first Black woman to helm one of its films. “When I go into those rooms, I’m really just like, ‘This is what I want,’” says Nia. “I’m not trying to figure out what they want, so I don’t have those kinds of nerves.” Her friend Thompson, who knows her way around the Marvel universe, having played Valkyrie in the Thor films, doesn’t think DaCosta is giving herself quite enough credit: “She has this combination of real humility and also this idea of ‘Why shouldn’t I be able to do these things?’ That belief in self—you need that, especially if you’re in a position where people are inclined to underestimate you.”

Starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson, Zawe Ashton, and Park Seo-joon in key roles, The Marvels is directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Kevin Feige. The film follows Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau as they embark on a cosmic mission to save the world, with their powers becoming inexplicably intertwined. Can they unravel the power mix-up in time to complete their quest? Find out by heading to your nearest theatre!

The Marvels will be released in Indian theatres this Diwali on November 10 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

See Also: The Marvels makers talk about Park Seo-joon’s character: “He’s a definite ally to Carol Danvers