Blockbuster movies take millions of dollars and countless hours to produce. As such, they are essentially huge investments. For this reason, they are usually entrusted only to the most proven and experienced directors. Sometimes, however, a young director will come along with the talent and potential to helm such a project. Such is the case with Jon Watts, the director of the upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Although Watts is a highly talented and hard working individual, he has not seen the type of high profile work that most directors in his position have. He is a relative unknown in comparison to Marvel’s other directors like Joss Whedon and the Russo brothers. However, his story reveals him to be a promising and gifted filmmaker. Here are five of the most interesting facts about Jon Watts.
5. He is well educated
To land the job as the director of one of 2017’s most anticipated films, Watts clearly possesses charisma, talent, and an open mind. However, he has also worked hard to hone his craft. Before becoming the director that he is today, Watts studied film at the prestigious New York University. Given his rapid ascent to the pinnacle of Hollywood, it is obvious that education was a wise investment.
4. He is married to a producer
While a great deal of public attention is paid to acting couples, there is relatively little in the news about directors and producers/managers who are in a relationship. Watts is one-half of such a relationship, as he is married to distinguished producer Dianne McGunigle.
3. He worked for The Onion
The Onion News Network was a short-lived but highly acclaimed satirical news series. Famous for its witty, absurd, and often coarse humor, the show took political satire to a new level. Watts worked on the program as a director of 10 episodes and co-executive producer of 11 episodes. While he is set to make his debut as a director of a mainstream blockbuster picture, his experience working in such a fast-paced and insightful environment will likely be valuable throughout his career.
2. He is taking a massive leap with Spider-Man: Homecoming
The decision to offer Watts the directing job for the upcoming superhero movie was met with a strong reaction from fans, given Watts’ lack of big-screen experience. However, even detractors may not know just how much of a jump in terms of scale this will be for the director. Before Spider-Man: Homecoming, Watts had only a couple of low-budget productions under his belt. His previous films were Clown and Cop Car.
1. He went the extra mile to earn the job
Naturally, as one of the biggest releases of the year, there were many directors clamoring for the coveted role as director of Spider-Man: Homecoming. While Watts impressed executives through his talent and development in his previous work, he also made an effort to stand out from the rest of the applicants. One of the most notable methods he used was to get a Spider-Man tattoo on his chest.
Final Thoughts
Many fans were shocked (and perhaps dismayed) at the announcement that a novice director in Jon Watts was set to helm Spider-Man: Homecoming. However, he has shown a remarkable gift for directing as well as unparalleled passion for the project. While he may not have the long list of credits that other directors have, Watts is a hard working and talented director who will likely give Spider-Man: Homecoming the quality direction it deserves.
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