As Marvel gear up for ‘Phase Two’ of their Cinematic Universe, the studio has decided to freshen things up behind the camera with new directors for its latest round of solo superhero sequels. We already know that Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) has replaced Jon Favreau on the currently-in-production Iron Man 3, with Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones) also taking over from Kenneth Branagh when cameras roll on Thor 2 later in the year, and now comes word from Showblitz that Joe Johnston will be succeeded on Captain America 2 by the directing duo of Anthony and Joe Russo, who are said to be in final negotiations with Marvel Studios.
Best known for their work on the acclaimed television comedy series Community, the Russo brothers’ feature film CV is limited to just three features – their independent 1997 debut Pieces, and the subsequent comedies Welcome to Collinwood (2002) and You, Me and Dupree (2006). Like Alan Taylor however, they do have plenty of small screen experience, with directing credits on TV shows such as LAX, Arrested Development, Carpoolers, Happy Endings and Up All Night. The Russos are said to have secured the gig ahead of George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau), with F. Gary Gray (Law Abiding Citizen) also previously under consideration.
So far, only Chris Evans is confirmed as returning to the cast for Captain America 2, although with a heavy S.H.I.E.L.D. presence expected for the present-day sequel, there must be a strong chance that the likes of Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) and Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill) will appear, perhaps even alongside Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye).
Captain America 2 is currently scheduled to hit cinemas on April 4th, 2014.
Originally published June 7, 2012. Updated April 10, 2018.
