In a recent series of escalating verbal shots being fired, director Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Chappie) has called director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2048, Dune: Part One) a "f***ing a**hole" for the latter's apparent harsh criticism over the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

　　Villeneuve, whose long-delayed sweeping sci-fi epic Dune: Part One will finally hit theaters on October 22, recently spoke for an interview with the Spanish publication El Mundo. When asked why big-budget movies are still relevant, the director apparently--according to translated text reported by other publications--said, "The problem is that we are in front of too many Marvel movies that are nothing more than a 'cut and paste' of others… Perhaps these types of movies have turned us into zombies a bit… But big and expensive movies of great value there are many today. I don’t feel capable of being pessimistic at all."

　　What a fucking asshole https://t.co/vXH13aIAA1

　　— Neill Blomkamp (@NeillBlomkamp) September 16, 2021

　　You can read Blomkamp's thoughts in the tweet above, though again it does bear repeating that the circulating English translations may have been computer-generated and many not quite capture the intended spirit, wording, or sentiment of Villeneuve's thoughts. However, Villeneuve had also recently spoke dismissively of Marvel movies with the French outlet Premiere, saying, "These films are made from the same mold. Some filmmakers can add a little color to it, but they’re all cast in the same factory. It doesn't take anything away from the movies, but they are formatted." Again, it is entirely possible that something may have been lost in translation.

　　It's likely only a matter of time before other directors, and perhaps Martin Scorsese once again, join the chat on this conversation.

　　The long-delayed sci-fi epic Dune: Part One will finally hit theaters on October 22.

　　Photo credit: Britta Pedersen/EPA

　　David Wolinsky on Google+