The Marvels (2023), which followed the storylines of Captain Marvel (2019) and the limited series Ms. Marvel, brought its lead characters together to protect the universe. Despite its appeal to fans, the film underperformed financially, becoming Marvel’s lowest-grossing movie to date. Director Nia DaCosta pointed to difficulties with the script as a major reason behind the movie’s disappointing reception.
DaCosta Highlights Script Challenges as a Key Obstacle
In an interview with THR, DaCosta shared her perspective, placing significant emphasis on the screenplay’s role in the project’s difficulties. As she promotes her upcoming film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, DaCosta contrasted the positive experience of that production with past struggles. She stated,
“Making the 28 Years Later sequel was one of the best filmmaking experiences I’ve had. One of the issues I had with Candyman and Marvels was the lack of a really solid script, which is always gonna just wreak havoc on the whole process.”
—Nia DaCosta, Director
Learning and Growth Through New Projects
DaCosta co-wrote both The Marvels and Candyman, and although she acknowledges the setbacks encountered, she views them as part of her evolving journey as a filmmaker. As a relatively new director, she continues to build her expertise with each new film she undertakes. The challenges faced during these projects have informed her approach moving forward.
Upcoming Films Mark New Milestones for DaCosta
Looking ahead, DaCosta’s 28 Years Later sequel is scheduled for release on January 16, 2026, bringing hopeful anticipation from fans and critics alike. Additionally, her romantic drama Hedda, featuring Tessa Thompson, is set to premiere on October 22, 2025. These projects reflect DaCosta’s continued growth and her commitment to strong storytelling after the hurdles experienced with previous films.
