STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON Director Talks Possibly Helming Marvel's BLACK PANTHER
F. Gary Gray's name has popped up on many think pieces regarding who could possibly direct Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa in the highly-anticipated Black Panther movie, but would the Friday director be interested in the future King of Wakanda? Find out after the jump!
Ever since Ava DuVernay dropped out of contention to direct Black Panther, we have yet to learn of any new names that Marvel Studios are at least considering for the job. It was said that we would officially find out who will helm the long-awaited movie by the end of the summer, which could be during Marvel's presentation at the D23 Expo on August 15. But until then, we're left to speculate.
Which brings us to F. Gary Gray, who directed Law Abiding Citizen and the cult classic Friday, among others. The filmmaker was in contention to direct Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier back in 2012, but he reportedly dropped out so he could direct Straight Outta Compton. Ironically, the current buzz surrounding that biopic has potentially placed Gray back on Marvel's radar for the Chadwick Boseman-led movie centered on the future King of Wakanda. Would he be interested?
"I would love to direct a superhero movie," F. Gary Gray told BlackTree TV after chuckling when asked about "rumors" that he is in the running to helm Black Panther. "We'll see what happens. If it's right, I'm there!" The director has not appeared on any recent shortlists to our knowledge, but he could definitely be one of the "many" filmmakers that Marvel Studios has already met with. Earlier during the aforementioned interview, which you can watch above, Gray had discussed his diverse body of work and how he wants to further show his range of creativity. What do you think?
After Chadwick Boseman debuts as the Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War on May 6, 2016, the actor will reprise the role in the standalone movie that's scheduled for release on July 6, 2018.