Anthony Mackie continues his controversial public appearances this week, following up a statement to BET where it almost looked like he was endorsing Donald Trump for president (which he hastily took back using Twitter), he has now shared his opinion on Marvel’s search to find an African American director to direct 2018’s ‘Black Panther’ movie. During an appearance to promote his new movie ‘Our Brand is Crisis,’ Mackie told The Daily Beast:
“I don’t think it’s important at all. As a director your job is to tell a story. You know, they didn’t get a horse to direct ‘Seabiscuit!'”
Later, he continued his point by stating that he does not believe the race of a director-
“…has to do with their ability to tell a story. I think it’s all about the director’s ability to be able to relate to that story and do it justice. I think men can direct women, and two of my greatest work experiences were with female directors. So I think it all depends.”
I do happen to agree with Mackie that the race (and/or sex) of the director should not really matter when trying to make a good movie, as I had similar thoughts as Marvel pushed to find a female director for ‘Captain Marvel.’ I understand a lot of it has to do with politics and public relations, but a good movie is a good movie, regardless of who creates it, and I would hate to think Marvel is missing out on excellent directors simply because they do not meet the criteria being pushed on them by the race/sex of the superhero in the film.
What are your thoughts on Marvel’s search for an African America director for ‘Black Panther?’ Do you think it matters? Feel free to share your opinions on the matter in the comments below!
Source: THR