The Marvels director Nia DaCosta reportedly did not attend her own film’s cast and crew screening. However, DaCosta’s absence at the screening may have a reasonable but controversial explanation.

Captain Marvel 2 was praised by some but opened in theaters to the MCU’s worst numbers. An even steeper collapse followed, with the film’s record-low 78% weekend two drop-off. In light of the MCU’s other struggles, including the recent Jonathan Majors scandal, fans have wondered whether The Marvels disappointing performance was a symptom of a larger problem or if the film merely lacked passion. The Marvels star Iman Vellani has defended the film in interviews, and her excitement for the film and the future of the MCU has remained unwavering, but what about the film’s director, DaCosta?

It’s difficult to call the early private showing of The Marvels a true ‘cast and crew screening’ because neither the cast nor the film’s director were present for the event. The film’s cast couldn’t attend due to the actors’ strike. Although the strike ended the same day as the screening, guild actors were instructed to wait until after midnight to resume press participation. While The Marvels cast had a solid alibi for their whereabouts, speculation arose regarding whether the film’s director had an equally viable excuse for ditching. According to The Hollywood Reporter, some Marvel Studios creatives and crew members were displeased with DaCosta’s absence, citing her birthday party as the reason she didn’t attend. DaCosta turned 34 the same night as the screening.

However, Mary Livanos, The Marvels executive producer, released a statement via a representative, saying, “It would be quite disrespectful and upsetting to suggest Nia has anything other than adoration for her creative team.” According to Livanos, Nia had not even been invited to the screening and only learned of the event after it was too late. Although DaCosta is a newcomer at Marvel Studios, her brief but impressive resume includes Jordan Peele’s box-office hit Candyman.

Still, DaCosta, who was also prepping another project at the time of the cast and crew event, was accused by some fans of neglecting The Marvels for her upcoming film Hedda, and the reaction from crew members in attendance at the screening may indicate a general attitude toward the filmmaker. However, given that The Marvels‘ poor box office performance is only one of many recent MCU disappointments, it may be that DaCosta is merely another scapegoat in Marvel Studios’ historic downfall.

The Marvels is playing in theaters now.

The Marvels

Carol Danvers teams up with Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan in The Marvels. As the three heroes find their powers entangled, they must work together to stop Dar-Benn from enacting her evil plan. 

Release Date

November 10, 2023

Director

Nia DaCosta

Cast

Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Samuel L. Jackson

Runtime

105 Minutes

Studio

Marvel Studios

Franchise

MCU

Source: The Hollywood Reporter