Sean Baker isn’t trading Cannes for capes anytime soon.
The Anora director, who made history at the Oscars with six wins for the indie breakout — including Best Picture and Best Director — made it clear during a new podcast appearance with THR that Marvel Studios isn’t in his future.
“Don’t expect a Marvel film,” Baker told THR‘s It Happened in Hollywood podcast. “It’s not going to happen.”
Baker Rejects the Marvel Path for Full Creative Control
While Hollywood has seen an influx of indie directors jumping to superhero fare — James Gunn, Taika Waititi, and Chloé Zhao among them — Baker says he’s staying put. His reason? Total creative control.
“I think that’s the only way to have full autonomy and control over your vision,” he said. “I’m not working for even a mini studio. I’m making my film independently.”
Baker Doubles Down on Indie Film, Snubs Studio System
Baker’s Anora — which took home the Palme d’Or at Cannes before sweeping the Oscars — cemented him as a powerhouse of independent filmmaking. But unlike many Oscar winners before him, he’s rejecting the Marvel machine and sticking to low-budget, character-driven stories.
“Some of us want to make personal films that are intended for theatrical release with subject matter that would never be greenlit by the big studios,” he said during his fiery Independent Spirit Awards speech earlier this year.
He continued, “We want complete artistic freedom and the freedom to cast who is right for the role — not who we’re forced to cast considering box office value or how many followers they have on social media.”
No Avengers Here — Baker Sticks With Indie Roots
Baker has yet to announce his next project, but fans can expect something in line with Anora, The Florida Project, and Tangerine, not The Avengers.
“Expect more of the same,” he said. “I enjoy working in this space of 100 percent independent.”
Even Oscar Winners Struggle Under Marvel’s Control
Baker’s stance on Marvel rings true, especially considering The Marvels director Nia DaCosta has openly admitted the film wasn’t hers, but Kevin Feige’s.
Brie Larson is also an Oscar winner and hasn’t seen success with the MCU (the Captain Marvel success was due to Infinity War and Endgame).
Marvel fans have also been waiting on Blade for six years, which was pitched to Feige by two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. What’s the holdup?
