9 Directors Who Could Superpower The DCEU

Marielle Heller
Best known for: “The Diary of a Teenage Girl”
Suggested properties: “Batgirl,” “Birds of Prey,” “Flashpoint”
Making the case: Heller’s talents are three fold. She has a wonderful eye, a knack for comedy and, based on “Diary,” a unique understanding of a youthful mindset. Obviously, you can make the assumption she’d be perfect for a teenage girl property such as “Batgirl” or a new take on “Birds of Prey,” but that’s limiting don’t you think? How about tackling Ezra Miller‘s Flash in “Flashbpoint”? Heller’s comedic sensibilities could gel with Miller’s awkward take on the character and provide some inspired visuals to boot.
Availability: That’s a tough one. Her next film is “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” with Melissa McCarthy which Fox Searchlight is currently saving for next fall’s awards season. It’s been completed for some time, however. She’s also writing and directing an adaptation of the documentary “The Case Against 8” based on the landmark gay marriage cases that went before the Supreme Court. And, lastly, she’s also attached to the fantasy thriller “Kolma” along with Daisey Ridley, but it’s unclear how close those two films are to production. In theory “Case” is next, but after that? Make your pitch WB.

David Leitch
Best known for: “John Wick” and “Atomic Blonde”
Intriguing properties: “Cyborg,” “Birds of Prey,” “Gotham City Sirens,” “Justice League Dark”
Making the case: Leitch is, at times, a jaw-dropping visualist with a sense of style that many filmmakers can only dream of.  Unfortunately, he hasn’t always had the best screenplays at his disposal, but he’s still found a way to give the audience a visceral experience that doesn’t overpower you like an unfortunate Michael Bay endeavor.
Availability: He’s got this little movie called “Deadpool 2” set for 2018, but he’s currently free afterward. Considering how he’s moved from one studio to another in his short directorial career (Lionsgate to Focus to 20th Century Fox) why couldn’t WB convince him to take a Joss Whendon-esque jump to the DCU?

Juan Antonio Bayona
Best known for: “The Orphanage,” “The Impossible”
Intriguing properties: “Man of Steel 2,” “Justice League 2”
Making the case: On the verge of being one of Hollywood’s premiere blockbuster moviemakers, Bayona is currently wowing Universal execs with his work on “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” Previously, Bayona has steered Oscar nominated performances (Naomi Watts in “The Impossible”), tackled difficult young adult book adaptations (“A Monster Calls”), mastered supernatural thrillers (“The Orphanage”) and set an entire look book for an acclaimed period TV series (“Penny Dreadful”). Oh, and did you know he’s a huge Superman fan who was dying to direct “Man of Steel”?
Availability: He’s mentioned having a Spanish-language project after “Fallen Kingdom,” but in theory he’s still available.

Andrea Arnold
Best known for: “American Honey”
Intriguing properties: “Flashpoint,” “Deadshot”
Making the case: Sure, Arnold has shown she understands a teenage/young twenty something perspective with “Fish Tank” and “American Honey” which would make her a gutsy choice for “Flashpoint.” Why not use her talents to bring Will Smith and “Deadshot” into a truly grounded environment?  Smith still hasn’t made anything as “edgy” as he think he has this century and Arnold could absolutely shake up his and WB’s thinking with an auteur perspective. Also, I mean, everyone wants a studio paycheck at some point, right?
Availability: She has nothing publicly announced, but in Arnold’s world that doesn’t mean much. She could already be shooting something new or in process of doing so.