I went to film and moved out to Los Angeles.
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I knew I wanted to produce.
I heard about an opportunity to go work for Marvel and I thought that sounds really fun.
I like comic books and I like big summer movies.
I grew up onJurassic ParkandTerminator 2.In addition to my arthouse leanings Ive always loved big summer movies.
And I got the job.
And they said welcome to Marvel, youll never be promoted here!
and that was 15 years ago [laughs].
And I remember thinking that sounds cool maybe theres some opportunities there that was 2004.
Its been a journey since then.
You were assistant to Kevin Feige for several projects…
I was assistant to Kevin Feige and also Ari Arad who is no longer at the company.
Marvel was and remains a frugal place where it needs to be so I assisted two people at once.
What were your first impressions of Kevin Feige?
Kevin has always been a great boss and has become a great friend.
Always fair and honest with me.
The job of assisting him now is very different than the job of assisting him then.
It was a lot easier then, we werent quite as busy.
The scope of his work has grown a lot.
But it was great.
Hes been great about allowing myself to do that all those years ago and people to this day.
The Incredible Hulkwas the first movies that you were Associate Producer on.
What was that like in the early days of the MCU?
So it was a little bit of sink or swim.
It was just like ok you own this movie now.
Move to Toronto and see it through.
One of my favourite somewhat corny aphorisms is luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
Where we are now in the MCUThe Incredible Hulkfeels like a little bit of anomaly.
It doesnt feel as MCU as some of the other early ones.
Were there any lessons or obstacles with that?
The whole notion withAnt-man and the Waspwhich is our 20th film is the notion that theres surprise.
Theyre all learning experiences.
WithCaptain America: The First Avengeryou brought this incredibly iconic character to the big screen.
What were the challenges that came with that character?
Captain Americawas a unique challenge.
These movies cost so much that they need to work globally.
Im very proud of that film, its aging well, I think.
Theres a story of timelessness to that film which I really enjoy.
Did you have to change your working practices because of the big secret?
We did, we were terrified of that getting out.
With any movie there should be something that scares you, some sort of big idea.
Weve learned that lesson early and been lucky enough to be rewarded for it.
But we knew in our bones that he was Tony and it could work and it would be amazing.
Again is that going to work?
Is the audience going to accept it?
This has always been the question at the heart of a lot of the decisions we make.
With Ant-Man and the Waspwhat was the thing that scared you?
Oh my goodness, thats a good question!
You know, some of the comedic tonal big swings.
That was a big comedic swings that could fall on its face.
Is that a conscious and deliberate move within the MCU to diversify things?
And moving the needle towards that is absolutely something thats at the forefront of our minds.
Im gunning for a standalone for Cassie…
It happens in the comics!
What do you think the future of comic book movies is, to avoid comics fatigue from setting in?
I think the onus is on each on of these movies to have a reason to exist.
Weve always approached them like that.
Are there other genres and subgenres superhero movies havent tapped into that youd really love to see Marvel tackle?
Theres an idea, theres a way into pretty much anything.
Is that something you are aware of thats becoming a priority, in terms of female directors for example?
I want to see those stories and I want to help tell them as well.
Marvel is also short of LGBTQ characters is that a thing it wants to tackle going forward?
For sure, you will see that.
Representation across individual groups in the years ahead.
Are there any Marvel characters youre hoping will get an outing?
OK, but is there a good character who you like thats coming up?
Ant-Man And The Waspis in UK cinemas on Thursday August 2
