In the ever-expanding universe of comic book movies, Disney stands as a formidable titan with most of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s franchises in its name. Most would agree that the studio’s strategic vision has elevated superhero flicks from mere adaptations of comics to cultural phenomena. However, the influence it holds also causes an unfair imbalance of power. Especially when it comes to decision-making in collaboration with film crews. Recently, rumors regarding the removal of Ryan Reynolds from Disney’s future projects caused widespread panic among fans. 

While those were disproved, there was an instance when the studio relieved high-profile figures from a 2013 project. 

The most shocking removal of an MCU figure by Disney

The renowned screenwriter and cinematographer, Patty Jenkins, was at the helm of Thor: The Dark World as its director when the movie began filming in 2011. However, a little while in, news began to emerge that Disney’s top brass was unable to see eye to eye with the now 52-year-old. In December of that year, Jenkins was removed from the project, which would go on to be one of Marvel’s worst performing films. 

She was later replaced by Alan Taylor and went on to join DC. Her first project with them would make her chapter with Disney seem like a small hiccup. This is because, in 2017, Jenkins would become the first woman to direct a superhero movie, the blockbuster hit Wonder Woman, and its sequel. While the franchise has dropped plans of a threequel, it is evident that Disney had made a blunder by firing the talented director.

Besides Jenkins, there were other creative heads that parted ways with Disney, some of their own accord. 

Other high-profile figures that bid the studio goodbye

Earlier this year, Disney removed one of the biggest figures at Marvel from his top position in March. Similar to Patty Jenkins, Isaac Perlmutter, who had served as the chairman of Marvel for years, was removed because of creative and financial differences. While James Gunn was not removed for similar reasons, his opinions on social media would cause his downfall. His was the most high-profile removal of a key Marvel decision-maker by Disney.

Nobody is indispensable if the top brass at the conglomerate chooses to wash their hands of them. However, some, like Scott Derrickson who directed Doctor Strange and was supposed to take on the sequel next left because of creative clashes. Meanwhile, Edgar Wright, who initially wrote the script for Ant-Man, walked away from the film because of similar differences. 

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Do you think Patty Jenkin’s firing was a good call by Disney? Or do you reckon Thor: The Dark World was irredeemable regardless of who directed it? Share your thoughts in the comments.