Summary
TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas seen many different filmmakers attach to its projects over the years, from those directing their first blockbuster to seasoned veterans of the industry. These different directors often bring their unique energy or take into the comic book movie genre and help keep the MCU from getting stale. One filmmaker, in particular, has yet to make an MCU film and could provide the cinematic franchise with new energy.
TheMCUbegan back in 2008 with the releases ofThe Incredible Hulkand Iron Man. Over 30 films later the cinematic universe has helped launch the careers of filmmakers like Anthony and Joe Russo, Ryan Coogler, and Jon Watts. Along with newer filmmakers, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has enlisted the help of more established directors like Sam Raimi, Shane Black, and James Gunn over the years. While all the directors have contributed to the larger MCU vision in their films, many have also found ways to embed their personal style and flair into the comic book movie franchise.
The MCU Is Courting George Miller
One filmmaker who has yet to attach to an MCU film is George Miller. However, if rumors are true it may not be long until he is. The Australian filmmaker is best known for creating and directing theMad Maxfranchise, withMad Max: Fury Roadgoing on to win six Academy Awards. Miller is also behind theHappy Feetmovies,Three Thousand Years of Longing,and will seemingly have a role inHideo Kojima’sDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach.
Rumors have emerged in the past year that Marvel Studios is courting the iconic director for one of its upcoming movies. During the press tour in 2024 forFuriosa: A Mad Max Saga, Miller expressed hisdesire to work with Chris Hemsworthagain, even on a potential futureThormovie. A more recent rumor suggests that Marvel Studios has reached out to Miller aboutanother MCU project:World War Hulk. It was also mentioned in the scoop that Hemsworth set Miller up with a meeting with Feige after the director allegedly showed interest in directing aThormovie. It’s unclear whether Miller agreed to direct either project or if progress is being made with the director attached, but it would be an interesting move for Marvel Studios to bring him aboard.
George Miller has tackled a wide variety of genres throughout his film career but his most well-known projects are undoubtedly in theMad Maxuniverse. The director has a vastly creative outlook and is also adept at creating unique characters and crafting blockbuster action sequences. All of these would make a great asset for the nextThormovie.
TheThorseries of filmshas seen a lot of different creative directions over the years. The first film, directed by Kenneth Branagh, was more Shakespearean in its construction of its fish-out-of-water story.Thor: The Dark World(directed by Alan Taylor) is one of the less loved entries in the series, with critics claiming it was too bland. Taika Waititi then arrived to shake up theThorfranchise, building on the comedic elements of the character and matching it with upbeat music and zany action sequences.Thor: Ragnarokwas well-liked andThor: Love and Thunderfollowed in a similar vein, although it was less acclaimed due to its over-reliance on absurdity.
Bringing George Miller in forThor 5could give the superhero film franchise a new injection of energy, in the same wayWaititi did withThor: Ragnarok. The last audiences saw of Thor he was hitting the road with his new adopted daughter, Love. This dynamic of the duo adventuring around the universe could be the perfect story for Miller to direct, as the filmmaker is clearly very adept at crafting action road movies with unlikely character pairings at the center. Miller’s brand of action could also be something fresh for the MCU and the director already has a close bond with Hemsworth meaning the two would likely work well together again.
Bringing George Miller in for Thor 5 could give the superhero film franchise a new injection of energy, in the same way Taika Waititi did with Thor: Ragnarok.
George Miller Would Also Make A Great Hulk Film
Even if Miller were not to direct a fifthThormovie, he would still make a great contribution to the MCU with a potentialWorld War Hulkfilm. While not officially confirmed, fans have been eager to see theHulk lead another film. The character has not been a solo lead since 2008’sThe Incredible Hulkwhen Edward Norton played the part of Bruce Banner. Mark Ruffalo took over the role shortly after and became the MCU’s official Hulk in multiple entries, including theAvengersfilms,Thor: Ragnarok,andShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law.
One potential concern about Miller entering the MCU would be thedirector’s need for creative control. Creative differences have been the reason for many filmmakers departing Marvel Studios projects in the past, and Miller’s unique vision and style could no doubt conflict with the MCU’s mandates. That being said, this could makeWorld War Hulkthe perfect film to bring Miller into the fold, as the comic book story has not really been explored much in the MCU which would give Miller a fairly clean slate to begin with. Another reason that Miller would be ideal for aWorld War Hulkadaptation is that the story focused on Hulk taking revenge on those who killed his wife. Vengeance is at the heart of the story ofMiller’s most recent film,Furiosa, so it’s clear the director would be adept at handling a similar story in the MCU.
Whether or not Miller ends up being attached to either of these films, the director has a lot to offer the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If given the opportunity and under the right conditions, Miller’s approach to a comic book film could go on to become a standout in theMCU.
MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a sprawling movie and television franchise that weaves together individual stories of superheroes including Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and many more. The first film in the franchise, Iron Man, was released in 2008. The MCU has garnered critical praise and financial success, earning billions at the box office and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
