Exclusive Interview: Thunderbolts Director Spills Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars Secrets!

Summary

In this interview, Director Jake Schreier delves into his experience directing projects in two major franchises: the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Thunderbolts and the Star Wars universe with Skeleton Crew. He sheds light on the exciting and fresh narratives being explored in each of these beloved franchises.

Schreier highlights the privilege of delving into diverse concepts and viewpoints within the vast realms of Marvel and Star Wars. This is made possible by the combined dedication of passionate artists, enabling the exploration of various ideas.

The triumph of these franchises can be credited to the immense affection and commitment of their creators, who are also avid fans. This translates into fervent and imaginative storytelling both on and off the screen.

Director Jake Schreier, known for his work on smaller projects, has recently directed two major franchise films. In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, he discusses his experiences directing Thunderbolts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Skeleton Crew in the Star Wars universe. Despite the secrecy surrounding both projects, Schreier reveals that Thunderbolts will focus on a team of former villains and antiheroes, while Skeleton Crew will tell a coming-of-age story about a group of kids aided by a Jedi played by Jude Law. Schreier acknowledges the unique challenges and excitement that come with directing within these expansive franchises.

Jake Schreier marvels at the abundance of talented artists with diverse perspectives and ideas who contribute to these projects. Unlike smaller endeavors where sticking to one idea is crucial, working on these expansive worlds allows for exploration and the opportunity to make adjustments and approach things from different angles. The luxury of witnessing so many people bring their passion for these worlds is truly exciting. It has been an incredibly enjoyable experience over the past year to witness and harness the creative energy that comes from this collective effort.

(Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes; the projects discussed would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the writers and actors from both unions.)

Why The Marvel & Star Wars Franchises Have Stood The Test Of Time

Part of the success of Star Wars and the MCU can be attributed to the fact that many of the creators are avid fans themselves. Whether they were fans of the original Star Wars trilogy or Marvel Comics, writers, producers, directors, and actors in both franchises have a deep love for these fictional worlds. This passion and creativity are evident behind the scenes and on screen. Since its debut in 1977 with A New Hope, Star Wars has expanded into a vast interconnected universe, including novels, comics, animated and live-action shows, and of course, the iconic movies. Although the MCU is relatively young, it has already established a significant presence in the superhero genre and owes its growth to the diverse range of stories it offers.

Disney+ has provided a platform for Marvel and Star Wars to venture into live-action shows. This has allowed for the exploration of uncharted territories within the MCU and Star Wars universe, resulting in popular shows such as The Mandalorian, Andor, Ms. Marvel, and WandaVision. Notably, Schreier is involved in the development of Thunderbolts, a series centered around a team of anti-heroes and villains, as well as Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, a coming-of-age tale focused on young characters. The dedication and passion of the creators behind these stories contribute to the success enjoyed by both Star Wars and the MCU.