Extra, Extra!: Ava Duvernay to (Maybe) Direct Black Panther

In which I report on the latest in entertainment news.

So the internet is buzzing with what could possibly be the most exciting piece of Marvel-related news since Spider-Man joined the MCU and Benedict Cumberbatch became Doctor Strange.  According to inside reports, the director for 2018's Black Panther movie is going to be none other than acclaimed director Ava Duvernay.

Marvel has long since proven themselves to be on the forefront of diversity and inclusion when it comes to superheroes.  When they received hate mail for having an openly gay couple as members of the X-Men, they married them and slapped the event on the next month's issue.  They gender-swapped Captain Marvel and even Thor when the call went out for more inclusion for women in comics.  They even made an all-female lineup for the X-Men following Xaviers death.

Black Panther will be the first black superhero to headline his own movie.  When you consider both that and the fact that Warner Bros faced a huge backlash for initially not even considering a woman to direct their Wonder Woman movie, it was only natural that they choose a black director for Black Panther. 

But her complexion alone is not why this is exciting news for Marvel.  The fact is that Ava Duvernay is hands down one of the best directors working today.  She headlined the universally acclaimed Selma last year and was easily the most overlooked director at this year's Oscars.

With her behind the camera and Chadwick Boseman and Andy Serkis in front of it, it's looking to be one of the best solo movies of Marvel's Phase 3.  While the directorial appointment isn't set in stone yet, it's pretty much all but certain at this point.  Marvel is expected to comment on the matter in the next couple of days.

So is there anybody else that you would prefer to direct Black Panther?  If so, then who?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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