Disney going after Patty Jenkins to direct Dwayne Johnson in 'Jungle Cruise'

Image from Collider

By Darian Scalamoni

            I just watched Moana for the first time the other night and wow does Dwayne Johnson have an unbelievable amount of charisma. Though the film is fantastic for many reasons, Johnson’s character Maui has quickly become one of my favorite Disney characters in recent memory. It’s no surprise Disney wants to collaborate with the movie star again in a live-action project like Jungle Cruise and now they’re trying to sway a director their way. According to The Playlist, Johnson and Disney are trying to bring in Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman, Monster) to direct the movie.

            Jungle Cruise has joined Johnson’s incredibly busy slate of work that also includes 2017 releases Baywatch, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle as well as 2018’s Rampage and his TV work on HBO’s Ballers. Jenkins seems to have a clear schedule as of now after her post-production on the Warner Bros and DCEU solo comic book film, Wonder Woman that stars Gal Gadot as the titular Amazonian princess warrior. Jenkins is now a historical statistic in the industry as she’s the first female director to helm a superhero movie. Last week, Marvel also announced that Anna Boden will co-direct Captain Marvel along with her directing partner Ryan Fleck as well.

            This isn’t an announcement that Jenkins has signed on to the project but Johnson said in an interview with AP, “Patty has that really cool edge, I felt like she could be a really cool choice for a movie like ‘Jungle Cruise’. Plus you know what? I’m just a big fan.” With indications like that it seems that Johnson would love for Jenkins to helm the upcoming film based on the Disney ride of the same name and I tend to agree with him.

            But what do you guys think? Do you think Jenkins is the right choice coming off of a blockbuster like Wonder Woman? Let us know in the comment section!