Megan McDonnell

Last updated

Megan McDonnell
Born (1987-05-04) May 4, 1987 (age 36)
Orange County, California, U.S.
Education Harvard University (BA)
University of Southern California (MFA)
OccupationScreenwriter
Years active2015–present
Notable work

Megan McDonnell is an American screenwriter best known for her work on Marvel Cinematic Universe projects WandaVision (2021) and The Marvels (2023).

Contents

Education

McDonnell attended Harvard University as an undergraduate, where she was a member of the Hasty Pudding Club. [1]

She graduated from the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC with an MFA in 2016. [2]

Career

McDonnell began her career as the co-director and executive producer on the 2016 short film Meet Cute. She then rose to prominence after writing two episodes of the Disney+ series WandaVision , set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). [3] [4] In January 2020, she entered negotiations to write the screenplay for the 2023 MCU film The Marvels , and she eventually co-wrote the film with Nia DaCosta and Elissa Karasik. [5] [6] In August 2022, she wrote episodes for the Marvel Studios series Agatha: Darkhold Diaries . [7]

Prior to 2019, McDonnell was the producer for the Scriptnotes podcast. [8] [9]

Filmography

YearTitleDirectorWriterProducerOtherNotes
2015The PerceiversNoNoNoYesShort film; Production assistant [10]
2016Meet CuteYesNoYesNoShort film; Co-director and executive producer [11] [12]
2021 WandaVision NoYesNoNoEpisodes: "Now in Color" and "We Interrupt This Program" [13]
2023 The Marvels NoYesNoNoCo-wrote screenplay with Nia DaCosta and Elissa Karasik
2024 Agatha NoYesNoNoPost-production
Dark Matter NoYesNoNoWrote 3 episodes [14]
TBA Vision Quest NoYesNoNoIn development [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agatha Harkness</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Agatha Harkness is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #94. Agatha Harkness is a powerful witch and one of the original witches from the Salem witch trials. The character debuted as the governess of Franklin Richards and as an ally of the Fantastic Four. She trained the Scarlet Witch / Wanda Maximoff in the art of magic. She is the mother of the supervillain Nicholas Scratch. Agatha Harkness has also been a member of the Daughters of Liberty. Initially an elderly woman, she managed to become young again and increased her strength.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marvel Cinematic Universe</span> Shared fictional universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appear in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The franchise also includes television series, short films, digital series, and literature. The shared universe, much like the original Marvel Universe in comic books, was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jac Schaeffer</span> American filmmaker (born 1978)

Jacqueline Schaeffer is an American filmmaker best known for her 2009 feature film debut TiMER and for her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe creating the Disney+ television miniseries WandaVision and co-writing the initial story to the film Black Widow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wanda Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)</span> Character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Wanda Maximoff is a character primarily portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Wanda is initially depicted as a Sokovian refugee who, along with her twin brother Pietro, volunteers to be experimented on by Hydra. The Mind Stone amplifies her natural telekinetic and energy manipulation abilities, known as Chaos magic. Wanda initially comes into conflict with the Avengers but later joins them to defeat Ultron, becoming one of their most powerful members.

<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.

<i>Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness</i> 2022 Marvel Studios film

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a 2022 American superhero film based on Marvel Comics featuring the character Doctor Strange. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the sequel to Doctor Strange (2016) and the 28th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film was directed by Sam Raimi, written by Michael Waldron, and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, alongside Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. In the film, Stephen Strange must protect America Chavez (Gomez), a teenager capable of traveling the multiverse, from Wanda Maximoff (Olsen).

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 Marvels</i> 2023 Marvel Studios film

The Marvels is a 2023 American superhero film based on Marvel Comics. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the sequel to the film Captain Marvel (2019), a continuation of the television miniseries Ms. Marvel (2022), and the 33rd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film was directed by Nia DaCosta, who co-wrote the screenplay with Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik. It stars Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel, alongside Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Park Seo-joon, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, and Samuel L. Jackson. In the film, Danvers, Rambeau, and Khan team up as "the Marvels" after they begin swapping places with each other every time they use their powers.

Phase Five 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 Five features all of the Marvel Studios productions set to be released starting from 2023 to mid-2025, with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures distributing the films, while the series release on Disney+. Animation in the phase was produced by Marvel Studios Animation. The first film in the phase is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which was released in February 2023, while the first series in the phase, Secret Invasion, premiered in June 2023. The release schedule of Phase Five was changed several times due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Kevin Feige produces every film and serves as executive producer of every series in this phase, alongside producers Stephen Broussard for Quantumania; Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, and Lauren Shuler Donner for Deadpool & Wolverine; and Nate Moore and Malcolm Spellman for Captain America: Brave New World.

<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.

<i>Marvel Studios: Assembled</i> 2021–present Marvel Studios docuseries

Marvel Studios: Assembled is an American anthology television docuseries of specials created for the streaming service Disney+. Produced by Marvel Studios, each special goes behind-the-scenes of a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Disney+ series or film with the creatives, exploring the process of creating each series or film.

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.

<i>Agatha</i> (miniseries) Upcoming Marvel Studios television miniseries

Agatha is an upcoming American television miniseries created by Jac Schaeffer for the streaming service Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics character Agatha Harkness. A spin-off from the series WandaVision (2021), it is planned as one of the television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) produced by Marvel Studios alongside 20th Television, sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. Schaeffer serves as head writer and lead director.

References

  1. ↑ "Theatre, Entertainment, & Media Meet-Up". ocs.fas.harvard.edu. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  2. ↑ "USC School of Cinematic Arts" (PDF).
  3. ↑ Kit, Borys (January 22, 2020). "'Captain Marvel 2' in the Works With 'WandaVision' Writer". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on January 23, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  4. ↑ Boone, John (March 10, 2021). "'WandaVision' Creator on Agatha's Master Plan, That Ralph Bohner Reveal and White Vision (Exclusive)". Entertainment Tonight . Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  5. ↑ Boucher, Geoff (January 22, 2020). "'Captain Marvel' Sequel Officially In Development At Disney's Marvel Studios". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on January 24, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  6. ↑ Gonzalez, Umberto (January 22, 2020). "'Captain Marvel 2': 'Wandavision' Writer Megan McDonnell to Write Sequel Script". TheWrap . Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  7. ↑ Lang, Brent (August 12, 2022). "Verve Promotes TV Literary Agent Melissa Darman to Partner (Exclusive)". Variety . Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Scriptnotes, 390: Getting Staffed". johnaugust.com. March 5, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  9. ↑ "https://twitter.com/johnaugust/status/1220233274045259776". Twitter. Retrieved July 4, 2023.{{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  10. ↑ "Megan McDonnell". IMDb .
  11. ↑ "Megan McDonnell". IMDb .
  12. ↑ "Megan McDonnell". IMDb .
  13. ↑ Paige, Rachel (March 18, 2021). "'WandaVision': How the Writers Brought Wanda and Vision to Life". Marvel.com . Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Dark Matter (2023)". Writers Guild of America West . Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Megan McDonnell - WGA Directory". Writers Guild of America West . Retrieved March 20, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.