According to Nia DaCosta’s interview with Jake Hamilton, Marvel delayed “The Marvels” four different times, a string of decisions that drastically ballooned the production window from a two-year process to a three-and-a-half year process, which means that DaCosta ultimately gave the film almost double the amount of time she was originally contracted to provide. Still, despite her clarifying comments, DaCosta is not surprised at the backlash created by Variety’s article. She prefaced her explanation to Hamilton by saying, “I think there’s a lot of energy and criticism around Marvel, anyway, so I’m not surprised.”
In addition, Hamilton prefaced the subject of DaCosta’s absence from the last few months of post-production by acknowledging that Steven Spielberg began production on “Schindler’s List” before post-production on “Jurassic Park” closed. “People applauded him for it,” said Hamilton, referring to Spielberg’s busy work schedule. It’s unlikely that DaCosta’s “Jake’s Takes” interview coming out so rapidly after Variety’s article is a coincidence. Through Hamilton, DaCosta provided immediate crucial context that safeguarded her career. As of this writing, Variety has not updated its feature to include DaCosta’s response. Instead, it still includes the line, “(a representative for DaCosta declined to comment).”
For those interested in her career, DaCosta is currently in production on “Hedda,” the latest adaptation — which she wrote and is now directing — of Henrik Ibsen’s stage play “Hedda Gabler.” The production will star Tessa Thompson, an MCU veteran, in the title role. The film is produced by MGM’s Orion Pictures and Plan B.
“The Marvels” will release in theaters on November 10, 2023.
