Matt Shakman

Last updated

Matt Shakman
Born
Education Yale University (BA)
Occupation(s)Actor, film director, television director, theatre director
Years active1984–present
Spouse
Maggie Malone
(m. 2012)
Children1

Matt Shakman is an American director and former child actor. He produced and directed WandaVision and has directed episodes of The Great , It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia , Fargo and Game of Thrones . He is also directing the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps . He is the artistic director of the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, California.

Contents

Early life

Shakman was born and raised in Ventura, California. [1] His Jewish father and Catholic mother maintained a "relatively secular household", their interfaith marriage being a source of conflict with Shakman's Jewish paternal grandmother. [2] After acting as a child, starting with commercials and landing a series regular role on Just the Ten of Us , he stepped away to attend The Thacher School in Ojai. [3]

Shakman went on to attend Yale University where he graduated with an art history and theater double major and was a member of Skull and Bones. [3] It was at Yale where Shakman became interested in theatre, going on to direct a number of stage productions. [4]

After university, Shakman lived in New York City for several years before permanently moving to Los Angeles. [3] He married Maggie Malone in 2012. In 2016, they had a daughter named Maisie. [5]

Career

As a child actor, Shakman played Graham "J.R." Lubbock, Jr. in the Growing Pains spin-off series Just the Ten of Us (1988–1990). His other television acting credits include The Facts of Life , Highway to Heaven , Diff'rent Strokes , Night Court , Good Morning, Miss Bliss and Webster . He also appeared in the films A Night at the Magic Castle (1988), and Meet the Hollowheads (1989).

Shakman is the founder and Artistic Director of the Black Dahlia Theatre (BDT) in Los Angeles, [6] which was named one of "a dozen young American companies you need to know" by American Theatre Magazine.

Since 2002, Shakman has mostly been directing for television. Among his credits include Succession , Mad Men , Six Feet Under , The Boys , The Great , House M.D. , Fargo , and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (also executive producer).

Shakman directed the episodes "The Spoils of War" and "Eastwatch" for the seventh season of the HBO series Game of Thrones in 2017. In August of the same year, Shakman was appointed as the new artistic director of the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. [7]

In 2017, TriStar Pictures announced that Shakman would direct its upcoming "live-action/hybrid" film adaptation of The Phantom Tollbooth . [8]

In 2021, Shakman directed and executive produced the Marvel Studios miniseries WandaVision for Disney+. [9] Later that year, it was revealed that Shakman would direct a film in the Star Trek franchise. [10] In late August 2022, Shakman was in early talks to direct the Marvel Studios film The Fantastic Four: First Steps set to release in 2025, replacing Jon Watts who exited the project to take a break from superhero films. [11] On August 26, 2022, Shakman exited the Star Trek film, citing "scheduling issues", [12] before being confirmed as the Fantastic Four director just weeks later. [13] When asked why he chose to do Fantastic Four over Star Trek, Shakman said: "[M]ovies have different journeys and momentums and schedules are a little bit mercurial, and so when the Fantastic Four opportunity came up, it was just too hard to pass up, and to go back home to Marvel, a place that I worked on WandaVision at, with those people who are wonderful collaborators." [14]

Filmography

Film

Television

YearTitleDirectorExecutive
Producer
Episode(s)
2002 Once and Again YesNo"Experience Is the Teacher"
2003–2004 Oliver Beene YesNo"Lord of the Bees"
"Ward Have Mercy"
"Idol Chatter"
2003–2006 Everwood YesNo"Just Like in the Movies"
"Shoot the Moon"
"Since You've Been Gone"
"Truth"
2004 Judging Amy YesNo"Order and Chaos"
Summerland YesNo"Into My Life"
2005 Inconceivable YesNo"Between an Egg and a Hard Place"
Six Feet Under YesNo"Singing for Our Lives"
Boston Legal YesNo"Death Be Not Proud"
One Tree Hill YesNo"The Heart Brings You Back"
Huff YesNo"Christmas Is Ruined"
2006 Kitchen Confidential YesNo"Christmas Is Ruined"
Everybody Hates Chris YesNo"Everybody Hates Funerals"
"Everybody Hates Thanksgiving"
Men in Trees YesNo"The Buddy System"
Windfall YesNo"The Myth of More"
2006–2007 Brothers & Sisters YesNo"An Act of Will"
"Game Night"
"History Repeating"
2006–2013 Psych YesNo"9 Lives"
"Lights, Camera... Homicidio"
"The Head, the Tail, the Whole Damn Episode"
"Dual Spires"
"100 Clues"
2007 The Nine YesNo"The Inside Man"
The Riches YesNo"Cinderella"
What About Brian YesNo"What About Marjorie..."
2007–2012 House M.D. YesNo"Fetal Position"
"It's a Wonderful Lie"
"Brave Heart"
"The Dig"
"Chase"
2007–2017 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia YesYes43 episodes
2008–2009 Ugly Betty YesNo"A Thousand Words Before Friday"
"Burning Questions"
"Dress for Success"
2009 Weeds YesNo"Ducks and Tigers"
Hung YesNo"Doris Is Dead" or "Are We Rich or Are We Poor?"
2010 Childrens Hospital YesNo"I See Her Face Everywhere"
"No One Can Replace Her"
Chuck YesNo"Chuck Versus the Subway"
The Good Guys YesNo"Bait & Switch"
"The Getaway"
2011 Outsourced YesNo"Guess Who's Coming to Delhi"
Breaking In YesNo"Take the Movie and Run"
Happy Endings YesNo"You've Got Male"
2011–2015 Revenge YesNo"Duplicity"
"Collusion"
"Disgrace"
"Madness"
2012 New Girl YesNo"Fancyman, Part 2"
GCB YesNo"Pride Comes Before a Fall"
Mad Men YesNo"Mystery Date"
2013–2016 The Good Wife YesNo"Je Ne Sais What?"
"Parallel Construction, Bitches"
"Oppo Research"
"Message Discipline"
"Restraint"
"Iowa"
2014 Fargo YesNo"A Fox, a Rabbit, and a Cabbage"
"Morton's Fork"
2014–2015 You're the Worst YesNo"Finish Your Milk"
"Constant Horror and Bone-Deep Dissatisfaction"
"Fists and Feet and Stuff"
"A Rapidly Mutating Virus"
"Other Things You Could Be Doing"
"The Heart Is a Dumb Dumb"
2015 Grace and Frankie YesNo"The Invitation"
Heroes Reborn YesYes"Brave New World"
2016 American Gothic YesYes"Arrangement in Grey and Black"
2017 Game of Thrones YesNo"The Spoils of War"
"Eastwatch"
2018 Billions YesNo"Flaw in the Death Star"
Strange Angel YesNo"Dance of the Earth"
2019 The Boys YesNo"Cherry"
Succession YesNo"Argestes"
2020 The Great YesYes"The Great"
2021 WandaVision YesYes"Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience"
"Don't Touch That Dial"
"Now in Color"
"We Interrupt This Program"
"On a Very Special Episode..."
"All-New Halloween Spooktacular!"
"Breaking the Fourth Wall"
"Previously On"
"The Series Finale"
2022 Welcome to Chippendales YesYes"An Elegant, Exclusive Atmosphere"
"Four Geniuses"
2023 The Consultant YesYes"Creator"
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters YesYes"Aftermath"
"Departure"

Theatre

YearTitleVenue
2013Wait Until DarkGeffen Playhouse
2015 Bad Jews
Good People
Secrets of the TradePrimary Stages
2002Den of Thieves
2007 The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
Placement (by Blair Singer)

Awards and nominations

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Bettany</span> English actor (born 1971)

Paul Bettany is an English actor. He is best known for his roles as J.A.R.V.I.S. and Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the Disney+ miniseries WandaVision (2021), for which he garnered a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geffen Playhouse</span> American non-profit theatre company

The Geffen Playhouse is a not-for-profit theater company founded by Gilbert Cates in 1995.

Douglas Hughes is an American theatre director.

<i>Star Trek Beyond</i> 2016 film by Justin Lin

Star Trek Beyond is a 2016 American science fiction action film directed by Justin Lin, written by Simon Pegg and Doug Jung, and based on the television series Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry. It is the 13th film in the Star Trek franchise and the third installment in the reboot series, following Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013). Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto reprise their respective roles as Captain James T. Kirk and Commander Spock, with Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldaña, John Cho, and Anton Yelchin reprising their roles from the previous films. This was one of Yelchin's last films; he died in June 2016, a month before the film's release. Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella, Joe Taslim, and Lydia Wilson also appear.

"The Spoils of War" is the fourth episode of the seventh season of HBO's fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 64th overall. It was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and directed by Matt Shakman. It is the shortest episode of the series, with a running time of 49 minutes.

<i>WandaVision</i> 2021 Marvel Studios television miniseries

WandaVision is an American television miniseries created by Jac Schaeffer for the streaming service Disney+, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It is the first television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) produced by Marvel Studios, sharing continuity with the films of the franchise, and is set after the events of the film Avengers: Endgame (2019). It follows Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they live an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey, until their reality starts moving through different decades of sitcom homages and television tropes. Schaeffer served as head writer for the series, which was directed by Matt Shakman.

Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a group of American superhero films and television series produced by Marvel Studios based on characters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics. Phase Four features all the Marvel Studios productions released from 2021 through 2022. It is the first phase in the franchise to include television series, alongside television specials marketed as "Marvel Studios Special Presentations", with Marvel Studios developing several event series for the streaming service Disney+ in addition to the feature films that it was already set to produce. Animation in the phase was produced by Marvel Studios Animation. Phase Four began with the series WandaVision, which premiered in January 2021, while the first theatrical film in this phase is Black Widow, which was released in July 2021 by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The phase concluded with the television special The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special in November 2022. The release schedule of Phase Four was changed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin Feige produced every film and executive produced every series and special in this phase, alongside producers Jonathan Schwartz for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Nate Moore for Eternals and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Amy Pascal for Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Brad Winderbaum for Thor: Love and Thunder.

<i>The Fantastic Four: First Steps</i> Upcoming Marvel Studios film

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is an upcoming American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Fantastic Four. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is intended to be the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the second reboot of the Fantastic Four film series. The film is being directed by Matt Shakman from a screenplay by the writing team of Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer, Josh Friedman, Cameron Squires, Eric Pearson, and Peter Cameron. It features an ensemble cast including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the titular team, alongside Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson.

Star Trek 4 is the working title of an American science fiction film in development at Paramount Pictures based on the television series Star Trek by Gene Roddenberry. It is intended to be the 15th feature film in the Star Trek film franchise and the 5th of the franchise's reboot films. There have been several different iterations of the film in development since 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience</span> 1st episode of WandaVision

"Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience" is the first episode of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows the newlywed couple as they try to conceal their powers while living an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by head writer Jac Schaeffer and directed by Matt Shakman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Touch That Dial</span> 2nd episode of WandaVision

"Don't Touch That Dial" is the second episode of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows the couple as they try to conceal their powers while living an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by Gretchen Enders and directed by Matt Shakman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Now in Color</span> 3rd episode of WandaVision

"Now in Color" is the third episode of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows the couple as they try to conceal their powers while living an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by Megan McDonnell and directed by Matt Shakman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Interrupt This Program</span> 4th episode of WandaVision

"We Interrupt This Program" is the fourth episode of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows an investigation of the idyllic sitcom life that Maximoff and Vision are living in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by Bobak Esfarjani and Megan McDonnell, and directed by Matt Shakman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">On a Very Special Episode...</span> 5th episode of WandaVision

"On a Very Special Episode..." is the fifth episode of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows the couple as they try to conceal their powers while living an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by Peter Cameron and Mackenzie Dohr, and directed by Matt Shakman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All-New Halloween Spooktacular!</span> 6th episode of WandaVision

"All-New Halloween Spooktacular!" is the sixth episode of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows the couple as they try to conceal their powers while living an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by Chuck Hayward and Peter Cameron and directed by Matt Shakman.

Breaking the Fourth Wall (<i>WandaVision</i>) 7th episode of WandaVision

"Breaking the Fourth Wall" is the seventh episode of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows the couple inside the town of Westview, New Jersey, as their idyllic suburban life begins to unravel. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by Cameron Squires and directed by Matt Shakman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Previously On</span> 8th episode of WandaVision

"Previously On" is the eighth episode of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows Maximoff and Agatha Harkness as they explore Maximoff's past to see what led her to create an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by Laura Donney and directed by Matt Shakman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Series Finale</span> 9th episode of WandaVision

"The Series Finale" is the ninth episode and series finale of the American television miniseries WandaVision, based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision. It follows Wanda as she tries to protect the idyllic suburban life and family that she created in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The episode is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It was written by head writer Jac Schaeffer and directed by Matt Shakman.

Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a group of American superhero films and television series to be produced by Marvel Studios based on characters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics. Phase Six features all of the Marvel Studios productions set to be released starting from mid-2025 to mid-2027, with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures distributing the films, while the series release on Disney+. Live-action series are released under Marvel Studios' "Marvel Television" label. The first film in the phase will be The Fantastic Four: First Steps, scheduled for release in July 2025. The release schedule of Phase Six was changed several times due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. Kevin Feige produces every film and executive produces every television series in this phase, alongside Anthony and Joe Russo for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

References

  1. "Matt of All Trades". March 20, 2008. Archived from the original on March 18, 2013.
  2. Pfefferman, Naomi (June 1, 2015). "Good Jews? 'Bad Jews'? It's all relative". Jewish Journal. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 "BA #069: Matt Shakman". the Box Angeles podcast. March 23, 2015.
  4. "Meeting Matt". Duke in New York State of Mind. October 22, 2008.
  5. Fung, Lisa (September 14, 2018). "From 'Game of Thrones' to Geffen Playhouse: Why top TV director Matt Shakman has returned to theater". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  6. "The Black Dahlia Theatre". Firefly Theater & Films. January 23, 2012.
  7. "Director Matt Shakman Named Geffen Playhouse New Artistic Director" (PDF). The Beverly Hills Courier. August 25, 2017. p. 13. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 25, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  8. Lee, Ashley. "Matt Shakman to Helm TriStar's 'Phantom Tollbooth' Adaptation". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  9. "WandaVision brings in Game of Thrones Helmer Matt Shakman". Slash Film. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  10. Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 13, 2021). "Next Star Trek Film To Be Directed By WandaVision'sMatt Shakman". Deadline. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  11. Couch, Aaron; Kit, Borys (August 26, 2022). "Fantastic Four: WandaVision Director Matt Shakman in Talks to Helm". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on August 26, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  12. Couch, Aaron; Kit, Borys (August 26, 2022). "'Star Trek' Movie Loses Director Matt Shakman (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  13. White, James (September 10, 2022). "Fantastic Four: Kevin Feige Confirms Matt Shakman As Director". Empire.
  14. Oganesyan, Natalie (February 7, 2023). "Marvel's Fantastic Four Reboot Starts Filming in Early 2024". TheWrap.