By returning to theMCUto helmSpider-Man 4, Destin Daniel Cretton will match an impressive and surprising Marvel Studios record that has only been reached once before. Marvel boss Kevin Feige confirmed that a fourth soloSpider-Manmovie was in development for the MCU in December 2021, shortly after the release ofSpider-Man: No Way Home. Tom Holland is expected to return asPeter Parker’s Spider-Manin the sequel, but theSpider-Manfranchise’s usual director won’t be joining him, as Jon Watts chose not to return, focusing on other projects.
Replacing Watts, asThe Hollywood Reporterrevealed on September 9, is director Destin Daniel Cretton.By joiningSpider-Man 4, which is expected to begin filming next year, Cretton is about to match a huge MCU record that only one directing duo in the franchise has reached, though two others have come close. This surprising statistic proves the confidence that Marvel Studios has in these directors, which spells good news for the MCU’s future, and quells unfounded criticism that has been aimed at Marvel in recent years.
8 Reasons Marvel’s Spider-Man 4 Director Is The Perfect Choice
Destin Daniel Cretton has been chosen to direct Marvel and Sony’s Spider-Man 4, and there are some solid reasons why he’s the perfect choice.
Destin Daniel Cretton will be joiningdirecting duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorheadas the second directing unit to lead three different properties in the MCU. Benson and Moorhead, who come as a package deal, directed two episodes of 2022’sMoon Knightand four episodes of 2023’sLokiseason 2, and will present new adventures in their directed episodes of the upcomingDaredevil: Born Again.While Benson and Moorhead have handled Moon Knight, Loki and Daredevil, Destin Daniel Cretton is taking on very different heroes.
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Destin Daniel Cretton made his MCU directorial debut with 2021’sShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, one of Phase 4’s most popular projects. Shortly after, Cretton signed a deal with Marvel Studios to direct more projects, includingShang-Chi 2and a TV series, which was confirmed to beWonder Man. Althoughplans for him to directAvengers: The Kang Dynasty, nowAvengers: Doomsday, fell through,Cretton’s return to directSpider-Man 4means he will have managed Shang-Chi, Wonder Man and Spider-Man, as the second directing unit to handle three separate Marvel properties.
Why The MCU Keeping Directors For Multiple Releases Is Good For The Franchise
Destin Daniel Cretton and Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead aren’t the only directors to return for multiple releases and properties, and this has always benefited the MCU. Most notably,the Russo brothers have handled both Captain America in his solo movies and the Avengers as a collective, while Matt Shakman directed all episodes ofWandaVisionand is now set to explore the multiverse with the Fantastic Four. These four directors and duos have produced some of theMCU’s most successful and popular projects.
The Russo Brothers
Captain America, the Avengers
Captain America: The Winter Soldier(2014),Captain America: Civil War(2016),Avengers: Infinity War(2018),Avengers: Endgame(2019),Avengers: Doomsday(2026),Avengers: Secret Wars(2027)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings(2021),Wonder Man(TBD),Spider-Man 4(TBD)
Moon Knight, Loki, Daredevil
Moon Knight(2022),LokiSeason 2 (2023),Daredevil: Born Again(2025)
Having directors return means they can really get to know the characters they’re working with, and become comfortable with how Marvel Studios works behind the scenes, too. Shakman can put his experience with varying time periods fromWandaVisioninto practice inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, while the Russo brothers' return in Phase 6 will see them explore different avenues of characters they already know inside-out. There is excitement that Cretton could deliver some ofSpider-Man’s most exciting action sequences, given his work inShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, so it’s brilliant to see him return.
The MCU Statistics Makes Director Criticisms Null & Void
In recent years, Marvel Studios has received some unfounded criticism that in-house directors are being chosen, rather than new directors who may not be given the chance to make their MCU directorial debut. However,the fact that only four directors and duos have returned to helm different properties in the MCU’s 16-year history makes these concerns null and void. Marvel Studios has hired a huge number of new directors since the very beginning, with the Multiverse Saga especially allowing many new faces to join the ever-growing franchise.
Destin Daniel Cretton’s attachment toSpider-Man 4is very exciting.
The likes of Cate Shortland, Chloé Zhao, Sam Raimi, Nia DaCosta, Shawn Levy, Julius Onah and Jake Schreier have made, or will make, their MCU directorial debut in the Multiverse Saga. Marvel Studios' expansion into TV has also given voice to remarkable directors such as Kate Herron, Mohamed Diab, Kate Coiro, Sydney Freeland and many more.Returning directors only strengthen the MCU, so Destin Daniel Cretton’s attachment toSpider-Man 4is very exciting, while many new faces can be expected to be seen as the MCU continues to grow.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Cast
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the first sequel to the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland as the titular wall-crawler. After wiping his identity from the public’s memory in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker continues his crime-fighting adventures without the aid of Iron Man technology or the support of his former allies.
