With “Deadpool & Wolverine” generating significant anticipation ahead of its July 26 release, director Shawn Levy is reportedly in early discussions to direct a new Marvel Studios project, potentially the next “Avengers” movie.
According to Deadline, Levy has received the latest script written by Michael Waldron. However, he has yet to confirm his involvement, and Marvel Studios is still considering other directors while awaiting his decision. Marvel Studios has not commented on the matter.
Levy’s busy schedule includes directing and executive producing the final season of Netflix’s flagship series “Stranger Things,” as well as a future “Star Wars” film. Nonetheless, the possibility of Levy directing the next “Avengers” installment aligns well with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige’s efforts to shape the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The “Avengers” franchise has been immensely successful, with the first two films directed by Joss Whedon — “The Avengers” (2012) and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015) — grossing $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. Joe and Anthony Russo directed “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), which grossed $2.05 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively. “Endgame” briefly held the title of the highest-grossing film of all time until a re-release of “Avatar” pushed it to $2.9 billion.
Even without a confirmed director and with the script recently completed, Marvel has been actively preparing for production to begin next year on one of its most ambitious projects to date. Insiders suggest that over 60 MCU characters could return, including Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Simu Liu, and Karen Gillan. Unlike previous “Avengers” films, which featured a core group of characters like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Hemsworth, and Ruffalo, this new installment is expected to be more of an ensemble piece.
Plot details are still under wraps. Following Jonathan Majors’ departure from the MCU as Kang after his assault conviction in December, it is unclear who the central villain will be or if multiple antagonists will be featured.
The next “Avengers” project is crucial for Marvel, given its potential impact on future films. Levy, with his impressive track record of blockbuster hits, seems well-suited for this major undertaking. His directorial credits include the “Night at the Museum” series, “The Pink Panther,” “Big Fat Liar,” “Date Night,” “Real Steel,” “Free Guy,” “The Adam Project,” and the series “All The Light We Cannot See.” As a producer at 21 Laps, Levy’s extensive portfolio includes the hugely successful “Stranger Things.”
