Canadian filmmaker Shawn Levy, currently busy with Marvel’s ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, is reportedly being considered to direct the next Avengers film, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
While the development is in its early stages, Marvel and Levy are said to be discussing the possibility, with the studio sending him the latest script last week. However, other directors are also said to be contending for the coveted role.
This isn’t the first time Marvel has approached Levy. They quietly offered him the directing role back in mid-March, but he declined due to scheduling conflicts. With commitments to ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, which releases on July 26, and the final season of Stranger Things, where he’s set to direct two episodes and fulfill executive producer duties, Levy’s calendar was packed. However, Marvel’s decision to push back the film’s schedule has opened up an opportunity.
Marvel’s renewed interest in Levy indicates their desire to collaborate again, likely buoyed by the success of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Michael Waldron, creator of ‘Loki’, has penned recent drafts of the script, which marks the fifth Avengers movie. Originally subtitled ‘Kang Dynasty’, the film’s direction shifted after Marvel parted ways with actor Jonathan Majors, who was set to play the villain. Director Destin Daniel Cretton also departed from the project in November.
Levy’s repertoire includes directing credits for projects like Night at the Museum, Real Steel, Free Guy, and The Adam Project. His production company, 21 Laps, is best known for producing Stranger Things.