Cate Shortland is behind low-budget, art-house films, which focus on women’s coming of age stories. Now, she brings her signature cinematic style to the Marvel Universe.
While other superheroes draw on past trauma for strength, super-detective Jessica Jones wryly bares her wounds and questions the whole hero gig.
An upcoming film will explore the origins of the Joker, last seen in the Batman franchise. But prequels are often poorly received – perhaps with good reason.
DC Comics/IMDB
From the Joker to a Game of Thrones prequel, origin stories are increasingly common in film and TV – perhaps at the expense of originality in popular culture.
Clifford Johnson, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The film wowed critics and fans. But its hidden power may be black lead characters who are accomplished scientists – just the thing to help inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.
Black Panther arrives at a moment of possibility. Its popularity demonstrates that people are crying out for chances to see themselves and their communities portrayed with dignity—as heroes.