Julius Onah’s story is a quintessential American dream, with a global twist. Born in Makurdi, Nigeria, Onah’s path to directing the highly anticipated Marvel film ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the enduring power of cinema.
His journey has taken him from watching Harrison Ford on screen as a child in the U.S. to directing him as President Thaddeus Ross in a Marvel blockbuster.
Onah’s introduction to America was through the lens of Hollywood. In an interview with Variety, he recalled being captivated by ‘Clear and Present Danger’ and ‘The Lion King’ – two films that profoundly impacted him as a young immigrant from Nigeria.
These early cinematic experiences ignited a passion that would ultimately shape his destiny. “Never in my wildest imagination did I think it would lead to making a Captain America film,” Onah said in the interview, reflecting on his trajectory.
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His upbringing was shaped by diversity. Onah lived in various countries, including the Philippines and the United Kingdom, before his father, a Nigerian diplomat, moved the family to Washington D.C. This exposure to different cultures and perspectives profoundly influenced his worldview and, subsequently, his filmmaking.
The family later faced financial hardship when his father took a post in North Korea, leaving Onah and his brother to navigate life in the US. This period instilled in him a deep appreciation for the opportunities available in America and fuelled his drive to succeed.
Onah’s passion for storytelling led him to study theatre at Wesleyan University and filmmaking at New York University, where he crossed paths with Spike Lee, who became a mentor. Lee recognised Onah’s talent and hired him as an intern, providing invaluable experience and guidance. These formative years honed Onah’s skills and solidified his commitment to filmmaking.
His early work reflected his unique perspective and artistic vision. Onah directed independent films like ‘The Girl Is in Trouble’ (produced by Spike Lee) and ‘Luce,’ which garnered critical acclaim. He also ventured into science fiction horror with ‘The Cloverfield Paradox.’ Each project showcased Onah’s versatility and ability to tackle complex narratives. However, directing a Marvel film represented a monumental leap in his career.
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is more than just another superhero movie for Onah. It’s a platform to explore themes of unity, empathy, and the true meaning of American ideals. The film stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, who has taken on the mantle of Captain America, and Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross. Onah believes that the film is not about Sam Wilson having super-soldier serum, but about what they all have within them.
Onah’s vision for the film extends beyond entertainment. He aims to foster dialogue about the challenges facing society and the importance of finding common ground. “There’s a line towards the end of the movie that is really, really important to me: ‘If we can’t see the good in each other, we’ve already lost the fight,’” Onah said in the Vanity interview, highlighting the film’s message of hope and reconciliation.
The director’s personal journey deeply informs the film’s themes. As an immigrant who achieved American citizenship, Onah understands the value of unity and the importance of upholding the principles upon which the nation was founded.
“When I first came here, what I loved was that I could sit in a theater and look around and everybody was different from me, but we were all having a shared emotional experience, a psychological experience, a cultural experience,” he noted.
From his early days in Nigeria to directing a Marvel blockbuster, his journey is an inspiring tale of ambition, resilience, and the unifying power of film. ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is not just a superhero movie; it’s a reflection of Onah’s vision for a more connected and compassionate world.
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