On February 8, 2016, it was reported that Ava DuVernay had been offered the job of directing the film, and she was confirmed to direct later that same month.
Pada tanggal 8 februari 2016, dilaporkan bahwa Ava DuVernay telah ditawari pekerjaan menyutradarai film ini, dan dia telah dikonfirmasi untuk langsung kemudian pada bulan yang sama.