Marvel Director Breaks Silence on Studio’s Most Expensive Misfire

Two years after The Marvels hit theaters (hard to believe it’s already been that long), director Nia DaCosta is finally opening up about the MCU’s most awkward box office belly flop in recent memory. If you were wondering how she’s feeling about the whole saga — critical bashing, commercial fizzle, and all — she’s clearly been doing some reflecting.

A Tough Crowd, A Tougher Box Office

The Marvels was meant to be a big swing for Marvel, pairing up Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau with a sprawling cast and, let’s face it, a pretty gigantic budget. But after all the hype, the film only managed to pull in $206.1 million at the box office, while reportedly costing $374 million to make. Ouch.

Reviews, as you know if you were anywhere near the internet in late 2023, were... mixed. That’s putting it politely. Viewers and critics weren’t exactly lining up to call this the MCU’s finest hour.

DaCosta: No Regrets, Plenty of Lessons

So, what does Nia DaCosta think looking back? When talking to Deadline’s Crew Call (she was there to promote her new film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple), DaCosta kept it honest but classy. She said everyone involved was trying to make something great and that she’s grateful for the friendships and bonds formed along the way.

'Everyone was trying to make a great film…and I will say I’m really happy to have those relationships.'

She also explained that, regardless of how things went at the box office or with critics, there was a real sense of camaraderie: 'I look back, and everyone tried their best, and everyone was trying to do the right thing, and it is what it is.' If you’ve ever seen a post-mortem on a big studio misfire, this is about as chill and healthy as they come.

Some Familiar Faces (Probably) Returning?

Here’s the part that’s a little more juicy for fans carrying MCU bingo cards: DaCosta revealed she visited the set of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday last summer. While catching up with producers and friends, she also finally met the Russo brothers. She casually mentioned seeing 'some of her friends' involved in Doomsday, which feels like a pretty clear nod to the possible return of Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel), and Teyonah Parris (Monica Rambeau). For now, Marvel hasn’t officially said they’re in, but... come on.

The (Stacked) Cast You Might Have Forgotten

• Brie Larson as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel
• Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel
• Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau
• Zawe Ashton
• Gary Lewis
• Park Seo-joon
• Zenobia Shroff
• Mohan Kapur
• Saagar Shaikh
• Samuel L. Jackson (because it wouldn’t be Marvel without him popping in)

Where to Watch

If you never got around to seeing The Marvels in theaters (and based on those numbers, you weren’t alone), it’s currently streaming on Disney+. Whether you’re doomscrolling, hate-watching, or just want to see one of the MCU’s rare stumbles, now’s your chance.