Lee Daniels was almost given the opportunity to give his take on one of Marvel’s staple characters.
During an interview with Collider, Daniels claimed that Hugh Jackman approached him about directing a Wolverine film. Daniels revealed that Jackman wanted him behind the camera because he was impressed by his groundbreaking film, Precious. Yet as many would expect, the combination of Daniels and Marvel didn’t go over well with studio executives.
“He sent me into the studio to Fox… And I had never done a studio film before and it was a disaster,” Daniels recalled before explaining that he “pitched my way right out of the room.”
“I pulled over to the Kentucky Fried Chicken afterward and ate a whole six-pack of wings. It was the worst meeting of my life,” he added. “I don’t know how he gets Wolverine from Precious, but I love him and he’s a friend to this day.”
Although Daniels wasn’t able to find his footing in the Marvel Universe, the director has cemented himself as a generational talent. Along with directing movies like Precious and The Butler, he also produced hit television shows like Star and Empire. He’s also produced and directed The United States vs. Billie Holiday which earned the film's star, Andra Day, a Golden Globe.
