Could This Director Resolve Marvel’s Issues With Two Avengers?

Summary

The MCU aims to reinvigorate Thor and Hulk under the direction of George Miller.
Miller is a frontrunner to direct both World War Hulk and Thor 5, showcasing his versatility.
Marvel should grant Miller the creative freedom needed to rejuvenate these iconic heroes.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up to revive two of its most beloved original Avengers: Thor and Hulk. Recent speculation suggests that a highly-acclaimed director might join the Marvel legacy, potentially reshaping these characters for a fresh cinematic revival.

Discussions surrounding George Miller’s involvement with Marvel have been gaining traction among fan communities. Renowned for his remarkable work on the Mad Max series, Miller’s highly praised directorial style may be the exact remedy Marvel needs to address longstanding portrayals of Thor and Hulk.

George Miller to Join the MCU?

Director Candidates for World War Hulk

George Miller's character promotional shot

The prospect of Miller joining the MCU has gained significant attention, especially following his collaboration with Chris Hemsworth on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Recent reports, notably from World of Reel, underscore that discussions are progressing. Industry insiders have hinted that filming for World War Hulk might commence in 2025, indicating a strong possibility for its development.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige appears to be considering diverse directorial talents, with Miller standing out as a compelling candidate for both this film and a potential Thor 5. There are rumors suggesting that Hemsworth himself facilitated conversations between Miller and Feige to explore these collaborative opportunities.

The MCU’s Challenge with Thor & Hulk

The Love and Thunder Setback

Despite Thor and Hulk being portrayed as some of the mightiest Avengers, they find themselves in need of considerable rejuvenation. Thor: Love and Thunder, featuring Hemsworth, did not resonate well. While Taika Waititi contributed humor, it diverged from the essence that endeared audiences to Thor. Consequently, Thor’s character arc requires significant reconsideration to restore his gravitas.

The Smart Hulk Conundrum

Similarly, Hulk’s depiction has failed to capture the essence of his character. The shift to the ‘Smart Hulk’ narrative has been controversial, resulting in a character that feels underwhelming compared to his traditional persona. Both Thor and Hulk are ripe for a return to their former strength, especially as significant events like Doomsday and Secret Wars loom on the horizon.

How George Miller Can Integrate into Marvel

A Unique Blend of Genres & Styles

Dementus and his biker horde in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

George Miller’s versatility as a filmmaker is well-documented, spanning from his monumental Mad Max films to family-friendly classics like Happy Feet and Babe: Pig in the City. His multifaceted approach is perfectly suited for the challenges posed by MCU projects, positioning him as an ideal candidate to breathe new life into iconic characters.

With Mad Max: Fury Road regarded as one of the finest action films of the century, Miller’s dynamic storytelling and visual style could significantly elevate the MCU’s offerings. Currently, Miller’s schedule is relatively open due to the moderate performance of Furiosa, which might pave the way for an engaging partnership with Marvel.

World War Hulk Explained

The significance of the World War Hulk storyline cannot be overstated. To date, The Incredible Hulk remains the only solo film for this beloved character, which debuted in 2008. It remains surprising that prominent actor Mark Ruffalo has not yet starred in a solo project. The upcoming Captain America: Brave New World might be the catalyst for initiating this storyline, potentially setting the stage for Thunderbolts to explore further.

This plot narrates Hulk’s tragic journey following the loss of his wife and his ensuing quest for vengeance against the Illuminati and Earth’s heroes. Reintroducing a more wrathful Hulk through George Miller’s lens promises to fulfill fans’ long-standing desires for a grittier portrayal of this iconic hero.

Thor 5: Revitalizing the Asgardian Hero

Details surrounding Thor 5 remain sparse, but Miller’s touch could revitalize the Asgardian’s narrative. The strong performances captured in Miller’s earlier works could assist in restoring Thor’s intensity without conflicting with established storylines. Miller has expressed admiration for the superhero genre, demonstrated during a 2019 interview with Deadline, where he provided thoughtful insight into cinema.

It’s a mistake and a kind of hubris if a film does well at the box office to dismiss it as clever marketing or something else. There’s more happening there, and it’s our obligation as storytellers to really try and understand it. To me, it’s all cinema.

Marvel Must Respect Miller’s Creative Vision

To capitalize on Miller’s creative genius, Marvel Studios must allow the director the freedom to express his artistic vision fully. Historical precedents, such as Sam Raimi‘s experience with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, suggest that excessive interference can stifle creativity, leading to missed opportunities for innovation.

My maestro George Miller, a real passionate, full of talent creator. I shall only look forward doing my best. Thx pic.twitter.com/WoBqrzouij

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) June 4, 2015

Marvel would be wise not to repeat the mistakes witnessed with Chloé Zhao‘s vision for The Eternals, which suffered from inadequate stylistic expression. In summary, for the MCU to genuinely restore the allure of both Thor and Hulk, embracing Miller’s artistic instincts is crucial.

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