The MCU Pitch: Drawing Inspiration from Two Legendary Final Fantasy Scenes, Revealed by The Marvels Director

Article Overview

Director Nia DaCosta drew inspiration from James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy movies, highlighting the humor and heartfelt moments that brought disparate characters together.

DaCosta also drew inspiration from Christopher Nolan's visually breathtaking space exploration film, Interstellar, for its portrayal of cosmic anomalies, paralleling the themes explored in The Marvels.

The Final Fantasy movie Advent Children served as a significant point of reference for DaCosta, specifically drawing from its intense fight scenes and the moment when characters unite against a shared enemy. This foreshadows a potential epic showdown in The Marvels.

The Marvels director Nia DaCosta, who is making her big-budget debut with the Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel, shared the inspiration behind her pitch to the studio. DaCosta, known for her acclaimed indie crime drama Little Woods and the Candyman legacy sequel, not only gained recognition for her directing and thought-provoking script but also achieved a significant milestone as the first Black female director whose film opened at No. 1 at the box office. With a production budget of $25 million, Candyman went on to earn an impressive $77.4 million.

In an exclusive interview with our website, DaCosta discussed her journey from smaller scale productions to blockbuster filmmaking and her experience working on The Marvels. When it came to pitching herself to Marvel, she revealed the wide range of references she used to capture the studio's attention, including scenes from James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy movies and the iconic Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Find out what DaCosta had to say about her creative process below:

Why DaCosta's Marvels Pitch References Are A Big Boost Of Confidence

It's fascinating because it is specific to Marvel and contains numerous unique elements. The convergence of these characters creates a truly distinctive tone. While pondering this film, I couldn't help but think of other movies I adore. Within the MCU itself, "Guardians" stands out for its ability to unite divergent characters, and I particularly appreciate its humor and heartfelt moments. Additionally, I am a huge fan of James's work, both inside and outside the MCU, so that was truly inspiring. Films like "Interstellar" also come to mind, as I have a deep love for space and seeing it depicted on screen. The way Nolan beautifully captured space in that movie was truly remarkable. Another reference I made in my pitch was to "Advent Children," a Final Fantasy film. It is exceptionally well-crafted, with the memorable fight scene in the church and the climactic ending where Cloud is propelled into the sky alongside all the characters, united to combat the formidable villain.

DaCosta's pitch for The Marvels draws inspiration from the successful Guardians of the Galaxy movies, appealing to dedicated MCU fans. Like Gunn, who prioritized character development and humor in his trilogy, DaCosta recognizes the importance of balancing these elements with the expected action and visuals in an MCU film. This balance is crucial considering the diverse personalities of Carol, Monica, and Kamala. Additionally, The Marvels serves as a reunion for DaCosta and Parris, who appeared together in Candyman, and for DaCosta and Tessa Thompson, who both worked on Little Woods in 2018.

While Christopher Nolan's Interstellar is visually understandable in its exploration of cosmic anomalies such as black holes and alternate dimensions, what makes Nia DaCosta's approach to the MCU sequel The Marvels intriguing is her inspiration from the Final Fantasy franchise, specifically Advent Children. The comparison becomes evident when examining two specific scenes: the confrontations between the villainous Loz and Tifa, and when Cloud's comrades assist him in defeating Bahamut SIN while soaring through the sky. These scenes echo in the marketing for DaCosta's film, featuring a clash between Jawe Ashton's Dar-Benn and Carol, as well as the core trio fighting the main antagonist.

Of particular significance is the latter scene, which holds promise as a reference point in The Marvels. This sequence, seemingly a climactic showdown, shines a spotlight on the unity of Carol, Monica, and Kamala as they join forces to bring down Dar-Benn. With Carol and Monica's strained relationship due to Carol's absence during her mother's passing, and Kamala finding herself in unfamiliar territory, it would be intriguing to witness whether this sequence signifies a turning point, with the characters overcoming their internal conflicts for the greater good of the galaxy.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming film The Marvels and appreciate director Nia DaCosta's approach to the project. Her inspirations from James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy movies and Christopher Nolan's Interstellar make sense, as both franchises have successfully blended humor, heart, and stunning visuals. I am particularly intrigued by DaCosta's reference to Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, as it suggests she will bring a unique and anime-inspired flair to the MCU. The fight scenes and character dynamics in Advent Children were epic, and I can't wait to see how DaCosta translates that intensity to the big screen.

However, I also have some concerns about The Marvels. The MCU has been criticized in recent years for its formulaic storytelling and lack of diversity. I hope DaCosta can bring a fresh perspective to the franchise and avoid these pitfalls. I am confident that she has the talent and vision to deliver a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about The Marvels and look forward to seeing what DaCosta brings to the MCU.