It’s an indictment on blockbuster cinema as a whole that whenever a new talent bursts onto the scene – which in this case is Extraction director Sam Hargrave – one of the first questions on anybody’s lips is whether or not they’d be interested in tackling a Marvel Cinematic Universe project.
While it’s a relevant line of inquiry given that Kevin Feige’s superhero sandbox has made a habit of plucking filmmakers from the lower budget arena and then handed them the keys to a $200 million comic book adaptation, there are in fact other avenues available for any filmmaker who wants to scratch that particular itch.
However, when asked the inevitable MCU question in an interview with ScreenRant, Hargrave admitted that he was entirely open to the idea, albeit with a couple of conditions.
“Would I direct a Marvel movie? I would definitely entertain that possibility. The closest I got into that kind of Marvel/Disney world was helping them over there, and in talks to do some stuff, with The Mandalorian and some of those seasons, maybe direct some of that. That just fell through for different reasons, but I haven’t been approached directly. But I would love to have a talk with him, have a sit down and find — the important thing would be for me to find a character that I could have a specific and unique point of view on.
I wouldn’t want to just rehash, because they’ve done such a great job, that canon of films they’ve created is so classic, you would have to have something additive to bring to that world that was special and unique. Otherwise, I would say just don’t don’t even touch it. But that said, I have some ideas, and I would love to talk with him, so if you’re listening, Marvel, my phone number is — no, I’m kidding I’m not gonna put it out there yet. I’m going to keep that one close to the vest, but you guys would definitely know if it ever comes to light. You guys will be the first to know.”
The biggest dilemma would be how heavily Hargrave would need to dilute his bone-crunching, neck-snapping, and refreshingly practical approach to set pieces when so much green screen and CGI would be involved, but the best directors always make the most of the resources their given, so it may be a moot point. That being said, it would need to be the right character to maximize his talents. The Punisher, anyone?
