Ava DuVernay Says She Will Not Direct Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ Film

Ava DuVernay, the Oscar-nominated Selma director, has confirmed that she will not be behind the helm of the forthcoming Marvel Black Panther movie.

Ava DuVernay On ‘Black Panther’

DuVernay finally addressed the reports about her taking over directing duties for Black Panther over Fourth of July weekend.

“I guess I’ll declare my independence from this rumor on 4th of July weekend and Essence weekend!” DuVernay told Essence on her way to the magazine’s festival in New Orleans, where she was to receive a McDonald’s 365 Award.

“I’m not signing on to direct Black Panther,” DuVernay added. “I think I’ll just say we had different ideas about what the story would be. Marvel has a certain way of doing things and I think they’re fantastic and a lot of people love what they do. I loved that they reached out to me.”

Though DuVernay has declined to take the job, which would have made her the first black female to direct a superhero flick, she has nothing but praise for the project and for the star of the film, Chadwick Boseman, who starred in James Brown biopic Get on Up. In Black Panther, based on the 60s comic book franchise, Boseman will play T’Challa, the ruler of Wakanda.

“I loved meeting Chadwick and writers and all the Marvel execs,” said DuVernay. “In the end, it comes down to story and perspective. And we just didn’t see eye to eye. Better for me to realize that now than cite creative differences later.”

“I love the character of Black Panther, the nation of Wakanda and all that that could be visually,” she continued. “I wish them well and will be first in line to see it.”

Black Panther is slated to hit theaters July 6, 2018.