ZOOMING IN
Filmmaking is akin to an intricate dance, with test screenings serving as a pivotal rehearsal before the final show. For Nia DaCosta, helming “The Marvels,” these screenings are less about approval and more about refining her cinematic symphony with the help of a circle of trusted connoisseurs. Discernment is key for DaCosta: the art lies in embracing suggestions that elevate her original narrative while gracefully sidestepping those that could steer her story off course.
“The Marvels” journey from storyboard to silver screen included the crucial phase of test screenings, a step that even the heavyweights of Marvel Studios insist upon. DaCosta faced the age-old directorial dilemma: to heed or not to heed the advice presented to her. During a candid conversation with FilmSweep correspondent Perri Nemiroff, DaCosta shared her approach to sifting through the sea of feedback.
Interpreting the array of comments from these screenings, DaCosta expressed her philosophy, “It’s part and parcel of the process. You get notes from all over—your executives, your peers—and while Marvel has its protocols, I prefer gathering a posse of trusted individuals with impeccable taste. That’s where the gold is for me.” Reflecting on one specific instance of feedback for “The Marvels,” DaCosta admitted, “To be honest, the notes cover the spectrum. For instance, someone disliked a tank top in a scene. My reaction? There’s not much I can do about that.”
When pondering her own stance as a critical observer, DaCosta remarked,
“It really boils down to this—when I provide feedback, I introspect. Am I projecting my own creative instincts onto their work, or am I genuinely enriching their vision? Generally, you encounter both types of feedback. The golden ones are those that resonate with and amplify your film’s intent. The others, suggesting a different director’s cut, are the ones you let fly by.”
Nia DaCosta’s Ascent to Marvel’s Pantheon
DaCosta burst onto the scene with her compelling debut “Little Woods,” setting the stage for a sparkling directorial career. Her second act, “Candyman,” wove nostalgia with the contemporary, enlisting actors like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Teyonah Parris to resurrect the horror staple for a new era. Despite delays wrought by the pandemic, DaCosta’s momentum remained unstoppable, catapulting her to a collaboration with the titans at Marvel Studios.
In “The Marvels,” DaCosta orchestrates a reunion with “Candyman” alum Parris and ropes in Brie Larson and Iman Vellani for a narrative twist—three heroines swapping places, power for power. While the MCU has spotlighted solo female crusaders in films like “Captain Marvel” and “Black Widow,” “The Marvels” is a pioneer, featuring a trinity of women leading the charge in ensemble storytelling. With the anticipation of fans reaching fever pitch, it’s evident that DaCosta has invested her essence into this ambitious venture.
Feast your eyes on Nemiroff’s extensive interview with DaCosta for more insider scoops, and snag your tickets for “The Marvels” to witness the spectacle as it soars into theaters across the U.S. on November 10.
SECURE YOUR SEATS
“The Marvels”
A cosmic mix-up intertwines the destinies of Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Monica Rambeau, setting them on a collision course with destiny.
Launch Date
November 10, 2023
Visionary
Nia DaCosta
Ensemble
Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Teyonah Parris
Classification
PG-13
Duration
105 minutes
Film Species
Superhero, Action, Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: The Marvels Nia DaCosta
What is the importance of test screenings according to “The Marvels” director Nia DaCosta?
Test screenings are deemed essential by Nia DaCosta as they provide a spectrum of feedback that can be invaluable for refining and polishing a film. She emphasizes the significance of distinguishing between comments that enhance the director’s vision and those that may detract from the original intent of the film.
How does Nia DaCosta decide which feedback to use from test screenings?
DaCosta considers feedback that aligns with and amplifies her intentions for the film as beneficial. She values suggestions that refine the movie without altering its core narrative to someone else’s preference. DaCosta mentions using her discretion when it comes to subjective opinions, like someone disliking a character’s tank top, which she chooses not to act upon.
What was Nia DaCosta’s directorial debut, and what has her career trajectory been like?
Nia DaCosta made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed crime drama “Little Woods.” Her career has seen a rapid rise, with her sophomore project “Candyman” merging contemporary elements with nostalgia. Despite setbacks from the pandemic, her career’s upward trajectory continued, leading her to direct a Marvel Studios film.
What distinguishes “The Marvels” from other MCU films?
“The Marvels” stands out as the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film to feature a trio of female-presenting characters in lead roles for a group film. This is a notable shift from previous MCU films which have focused on standalone female leads.
When is “The Marvels” set to release, and who are the main cast members?
“The Marvels” is scheduled for release on November 10, 2023. The main cast includes Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, and Teyonah Parris, reprising her role from “Candyman.” The ensemble also features Samuel L. Jackson and Zawe Ashton among others.
What genre does “The Marvels” belong to, and what is its rating and runtime?
“The Marvels” is categorized under the Superhero, Action, and Adventure genres. It has received a PG-13 rating and has a runtime of 105 minutes.
More about fokus keyword: The Marvels Nia DaCosta
- Nia DaCosta’s Directorial Journey
- The Role of Test Screenings in Filmmaking
- Marvel Studios’ Upcoming Releases
- Insights on ‘The Marvels’
- Interview with Nia DaCosta by Perri Nemiroff
- Get Tickets for ‘The Marvels’
- Marvel Cinematic Universe News
5 comments
gotta love how directors use test screenings to fine-tune films. I mean who wouldnt want their work to be the best it can be? DaCosta seems to have a solid head on her shoulders for that
oh wow Nia DaCosta is directing a marvel film? thats pretty big, loved her work on Candyman Can’t wait to see what she does with The Marvels!
anyone else thinks its about time we got more female leads in MCU? kudos to DaCosta for pushing this forward! but really a tank top comment, people need to chill with the nitpicking lol
missed opportunity not to release The Marvels in summer? November seems like a weird time for a superhero flick, just saying… but what do I know
im all for strong female characters, hoping the plot is just as strong. seen too many movies fall flat coz they focus on the wrong things Lets hope DaCosta’s got the balance right with The Marvels