If we are to believe the Hollywood wing of the internet, then we can assume that Emmy-winning sitcom and film directing brothers Anthony and Joe Russo will take the helm for the sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger. After beating out two other solid contenders for the position, the Russos are apparently thisclose to sealing the deal with Marvel Studios. And now, the Russos will prepare for the inevitable “small-to-big screen” comparisons to Joss Whedon, that guy who did that other Marvel movie that did pretty okay at the box office.
In our previous coverage of the Russos being up for the Cap gig, we learned that the duo are best known for their work on various sitcoms that are known for being fan favorites that are off the beaten path a bit. They won Emmys for directing episodes of Arrested Development and were nominated for directing Community. They’ve also worked on the equally quirky Happy Endings on ABC, though it’s probably not fair to say these two have a lot to compare to someone like Whedon. Because Whedon has a very specific voice as a writer as well as a director, and while they have done some writing, the Russos seems to specialize more in tone-setting than voice-giving. They are currently the executive producers of Community and Happy Endings, and are often sought after to direct TV pilots (which is what won them their Arrested Development Emmy).
What makes the Russos such an interesting choice to direct Captain America 2 is that considering the specific voices of the sitcoms they’ve directed, it seems like they have a real knack for preserving the work of writers and actors by helping them best display what they’ve created while still putting their stamp on something. In this case, the Russos will be guiding a script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who wrote the first movie. And, of course, Chris Evans will return to play Steve Rogers. The movie is set to hit theaters in April 2014.
The Russos beat out F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job), who ended up removing himself as a contender, and George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau). Some would probably argue that both of these directors seemed to be more fit to direct a comic book action film instead of the directors of You, Me and Dupree and Welcome to Collinwood, but clearly, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige saw something he liked in the Russos.
There is probably a really good joke to make about the kind of obscure references made on Community that Steve Rogers would never understand, and that’s enough to make me giggle.
(The Hollywood Reporter via AICN, Collider)