Summertime is a spoken word poetry musical set in Los Angeles, following the intersecting stories of 27 young Angelinos over the course of a single day. Developed over a summer workshop with 27 youth poets (all of whom served as co-writers and stars), this may sound like an unconventional movie, but trust us when we say it's an inspiring, beautiful experience we can't recommend highly enough.
It arrives in theaters on July 9, and we were recently fortunate enough to catch up with director Carlos López Estrada (Raya and the Last Dragon) and producer Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars).
At the conclusion of our conversation, we asked Carlos and Kelly whether they would be interested in reteaming to bring the same positive messages we see in Summertime to a Marvel Studios movie (after all, this title just so happens to be opening opposite Black Widow this weekend). Having both previously worked with Disney, they're clearly open to that possibility.
"I think Kelly should be a part of every Cinematic Universe that exists, Marvel included," Carlos responded. "I'm going to answer for her and say I hope she's part of it! For me, as a director, I have been very inspired by all the movies and people I've gotten a chance to work with, including the Summertime poets and Kelly. I [will] do everything within my power to continue working on projects that I can be equally as inspired by whether it's 'Summertime 2: The Return of Summertime' or a Marvel thing, I think I'm just going to have to follow my gut and try to surround myself with people I find as inspiring as Kelly Marie Tran."
As for Kelly, she was similarly enthusiastic about the prospect of tackling another big franchise. "I agree. I have a similar way of looking at my career where it's really...I just want to surprise myself. I just want to do things I didn't think I could do," she explained. "I didn't think I could be in Star Wars and I didn't think I could be in Raya and doing things I thought were impossible have been a really big impetus for me and I want to keep doing that. So, whatever that is, let those things come and I'm excited to continue doing impossible things with Carlos López Estrada."
Carlos actually directed an episode of Legion prior to working with Kelly on Raya and the Last Dragon, while she landed one of the biggest roles of her career after joining Star Wars: The Last Jedi. One or both of them joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be great to see, and you should definitely make time to check out Summertime this weekend (watch the trailer right here).
Check out our interview below and come back here later this week for the full transcription: