Marvel Studios has already put some very promising names in the director's chair, with Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao currently leading the charge into Marvel’s ambitious Phase Four. President Kevin Feige has always shown a preference for independent filmmakers, but lately Marvel has been recruiting more and more to help shape its Cinematic Universe.

With documentary filmmaker Bassam Tariq helming Blade and Candyman’s Nia DaCosta on board for the Captain Marvel sequel, the MCU is in promising hands. Feige’s picks show that experience with mainstream films doesn’t always matter when it comes to telling a story with heart -- and if all goes well with this new crop of directors, the MCU could be recruiting a lot more independent talent in the future. Let’s take a look at some directors that Marvel might be eyeing for future MCU projects.

RELATED: Why Is Marvel Really Hiring Some of the Best Indie Filmmakers in the Game?

Justin Chon

Justin Chon on the set of Blue Bayou

A few years ago, Justin Chon would not have been anyone's choice to direct a Marvel film. He was most well known for his supporting role as Eric in the Twilight Saga, but since the cult phenomenon came to a close, Chon has quietly helmed a series of critically-acclaimed films. His most recent feature, Blue Bayou, sheds light on the frustrating struggle that many working-class Asian Americans face.

The film follows a Korean-American adoptee who suddenly comes face-to-face with the threat of deportation. It debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, and has since become a serious contender for next year’s Academy Awards. Blue Bayou’s raw, unflinching story -- paired with career performances from Chon and Alicia Vikander -- have put the filmmaker on the radar in a big way.

RELATED: Every MCU Phase Four Film & Series Releasing After Shang-Chi

Janicza Bravo

Janicza Bravo

In October 2015, a woman named A’Ziah “Zola” King released a Twitter thread that went viral. The thread chronicles an ordeal between King and her friend, Stefani, following them on an odyssey on par with the disastrous shenanigans of the A24 film Spring Breakers, but instead of falling into the hands of Spring Breakers alum James Franco, the adaptation was passed onto then-obscure director Janicza Bravo.

With Zola’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival five years later, it was Bravo who went viral. The film quickly established her as a filmmaker to be reckoned with, and her cheeky, pointed style makes her a perfect fit for a wacky MCU feature in the vein of Thor: Ragnarok -- or even, perhaps, a solo outing for The MarvelsMonica Rambeau.

Rick Famuyiwa

Rick Famuyiwa on the set of The Mandalorian

Disney’s acquisition of Star Wars has made it rather easy for filmmakers to flip from one property to the next. It was Iron Man’s Jon Favreau who first crossed over, creating The Mandalorian with long-time Star Wars showrunner Dave Filoni. Since then, Taika Waititi and even Kevin Feige have stepped up for their own projects, so it stands to reason that Marvel might recruit a director from the galaxy far, far away in turn.

RELATED: The Marvels Director on Batman, Superman and What Makes a Hero

Rick Famuyiwa has been involved with The Mandalorian since its inaugural season, which made him something of a household name -- even though the director has been around since the late '90s. He’s best known for rom-coms like The Wood (1999) and Brown Sugar (2002), as well as Dope, a coming-of-age comedy from 2015. He was even in talks to direct the Flash solo film for DC, before creative differences forced him to depart the project, so it’s clear he’s passionate about superheroes.

Alonso Ruizpalacios

Alonso Ruizpalacios

Despite having only three feature films under his belt, Alonso Ruizpalacios has written and directed for both stage and screen. His debut feature, Gueros, was critically acclaimed, sweeping Mexico’s Ariel Awards in 2015. Ruizpalacios also trained as an actor at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

He’s one of the most well-rounded rising directors of his generation, and he has the potential to join the ranks of Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón as one of Mexico’s best. His striking approach to filmmaking, as well as his raw, grounded focus on his characters, makes him an excellent candidate for the rumored Thunderbolts film.

RELATED: Eternals Director on How She Cast the MCU's New, Surprise Avenger

Amma Asante

Amma Asante on the set of Belle

British auteur Amma Asante was reportedly circled for Black Widow back in 2018. Though Marvel eventually selected Cate Shortland, that doesn’t mean Asante can’t take on another project down the line. Much like Ava DuVernay, she’s one of the few Black female directors who have been quietly dismantling stereotypes for Black characters in film for years.

Her work in period dramas like Belle and A United Kingdom have put Black protagonists -- usually figures who existed -- at the center of a genre that typically denies their existence. Unfortunately, Asante is still largely unknown in some circles, but another chance at contributing to the MCU could draw more eyes to the rest of her boundary-breaking filmography. Since Asante has recently turned to directing television, she’d be a fantastic match for a few episodes of the Ironheart series.

Lulu Wang

Lulu Wang on the set of The Farewell

With just two feature films under her belt, Lulu Wang has shown her ability to tell Asian American stories with overwhelming tenderness and simplicity. Her forlorn comedy-drama The Farewell earned her (and star Awkwafina) widespread praise from critics. Wang has mastered the art of the bittersweet, and her gentle, no-nonsense style could pair beautifully with the fragile familial dynamics in a Shang Chi spin-off.

RELATED: Black Panther 2 Rumor Reveals Which Character Will Suit Up

In fact, during a director’s roundtable with The Hollywood Reporter in 2020, Wang confirmed Marvel approached her to direct. Though she never revealed which film the studio had in mind for her, or whether she rejected the offer outright, it’s exciting to know that Marvel is interested in her voice.

Shaka King

Shaka King on the set of Judas and the Black Messiah

Marvel’s recent habit of recruiting filmmakers fresh off awards season buzz would set filmmaker Shaka King directly in their sights. King only helmed one feature before Judas and the Black Messiah, a searing account of the assassination of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton. The film earned Daniel Kaluuya his first Oscar win, as well as nominations for King in Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

Between films, King had his hands full directing TV shows like Shrill and Random Acts of Flyness, and it's likely that the success of Judas has brought more offers pouring in. Hopefully Marvel is one studio hoping to book him.

KEEP READING: RUMOR: Kevin Feige's Star Wars Movie Taps Eternals Director Chloé Zhao