About The Direct
The Direct is a leading independent entertainment news outlet covering the MCU, Marvel, superheroes, Star Wars, DC movies, gaming and more. The Direct reaches a large audience of over 4 million monthly unique visitors on thedirect.com, over 800,000 followers on Twitter, and over 7 million people reached monthly on Facebook.
Started in 2017 by Editor in Chief Brian Grodzki as @MCU_Direct on Twitter, The Direct is now comprised of a team of passionate young journalists and content creators from across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Philippines, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
The Direct creates informative articles with beautiful visuals that thoroughly covers all things pop culture. Our coverage includes exclusive scoops, breaking news, celebrity interviews, reviews, and comprehensive analysis from our team of entertainment experts.
Meet The Direct Team
Brian Grodzki
THE DIRECT Co-Founder
Brian is the co-founder, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of The Direct. He has been creating content for online fan communities while fostering their growth since 2013. Brian attended Lehigh University, which is where he met The Direct's co-founder, Jack, and graduated from the school with a Civil Engineering degree in 2019. He has an extreme passion for creating and facilitating the creation of all forms of online content that enriches people's lives.(Read More about Brian Grodzki)
Brian is the co-founder, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of The Direct. He has been creating content for online fan communities while fostering their growth since 2013. Brian attended Lehigh University, which is where he met The Direct's co-founder, Jack, and graduated from the school with a Civil Engineering degree in 2019. He has an extreme passion for creating and facilitating the creation of all forms of online content that enriches people's lives.(Read More about Brian Grodzki)
John McBryan
THE DIRECT Co-Founder and CTO
Jack is the Co-Founder of The Direct, starting the company with Brian in September of 2019. He is a journalist and CTO for The Direct. He graduated from Lehigh University in 2019 with a degree in computer science. Jack is a huge fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting his journey with Iron Man and has seen every movie since Iron Man 2 in theaters. Despite this love of the MCU, Jack has not read many Marvel comics. Jack is an avid reader, with his favorite book series being The Wheel of Time, Mistborn, and The Stormlight Archives.(Read More about John McBryan)
Jack is the Co-Founder of The Direct, starting the company with Brian in September of 2019. He is a journalist and CTO for The Direct. He graduated from Lehigh University in 2019 with a degree in computer science. Jack is a huge fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting his journey with Iron Man and has seen every movie since Iron Man 2 in theaters. Despite this love of the MCU, Jack has not read many Marvel comics. Jack is an avid reader, with his favorite book series being The Wheel of Time, Mistborn, and The Stormlight Archives.(Read More about John McBryan)
Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news and features writer for The Direct who also has a stint in writing pieces for MCU Exchange. His passion for the superhero genre began from watching Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man, but it wasn't until learning the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe through The Avengers that led him to religiously read all things superhero from several media sites to study the genre. He recently started co-hosting a podcast for MCU Exchange. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA as well as other franchises such as DC and Star Wars.
Andrew Gilman
STAR WARS Writer
Andrew is a writer for The Direct who has an immense passion for Star Wars. Currently a college student at the University of Central Florida, he studies Human Communication and dreams of writing and directing a Star Wars trilogy of his own one day. When he’s not lost in the Galaxy Far, Far Away, Andrew can be found cheering on the Tampa Bay Rays and New England Patriots.(Read More about Andrew Gilman)
Andrew is a writer for The Direct who has an immense passion for Star Wars. Currently a college student at the University of Central Florida, he studies Human Communication and dreams of writing and directing a Star Wars trilogy of his own one day. When he’s not lost in the Galaxy Far, Far Away, Andrew can be found cheering on the Tampa Bay Rays and New England Patriots.(Read More about Andrew Gilman)
Benny Stein
PLAYSTATION Writer
Benny is a writer for The Direct, having just joined the team in November of 2020. He is also a student at Wesleyan University, working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies. Passionate about all things film and media related, Benny hopes to consider both (as well as other related subjects) through his work at The Direct.(Read More about Benny Stein)
Benny is a writer for The Direct, having just joined the team in November of 2020. He is also a student at Wesleyan University, working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies. Passionate about all things film and media related, Benny hopes to consider both (as well as other related subjects) through his work at The Direct.(Read More about Benny Stein)
David Thompson
MCU, STAR WARS, DCU, and PLAYSTATION Writer
David is a writer for The Direct with a passion for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, A Galaxy Far, Far Away, and Sony's Playstation consoles. He graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology where he studied Multiplatform Journalism. David loves to write, watch movies, produce podcasts, and is a major sports junkie.(Read More about David Thompson)
David is a writer for The Direct with a passion for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, A Galaxy Far, Far Away, and Sony's Playstation consoles. He graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology where he studied Multiplatform Journalism. David loves to write, watch movies, produce podcasts, and is a major sports junkie.(Read More about David Thompson)
Jack Pues
STAR WARS Writer
Jack is a writer for The Direct who has adored Star Wars and comic book movies for as long as he can remember. He will be graduating from the University of North Florida in the Fall of 2021, earning his Bachelor's in Business Administration and two minors in both Political Science and Digital Marketing & Analytics. Jack has been accepted into UNF's MBA program and hopes that this will all eventually lead to a future where he works for the Walt Disney Company. His other hobbies include tap dancing, golfing, and always cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars.(Read More about Jack Pues)
Jack is a writer for The Direct who has adored Star Wars and comic book movies for as long as he can remember. He will be graduating from the University of North Florida in the Fall of 2021, earning his Bachelor's in Business Administration and two minors in both Political Science and Digital Marketing & Analytics. Jack has been accepted into UNF's MBA program and hopes that this will all eventually lead to a future where he works for the Walt Disney Company. His other hobbies include tap dancing, golfing, and always cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars.(Read More about Jack Pues)
Jennifer McDonough
MCU and STAR WARS Writer
Jen is a writer for The Direct who deeply enjoys writing, especially about things that she's passionate about. Her non-MCU and Star Wars interests include action figures, sitcoms, and making the perfect peanut butter and banana sandwich. She also does market research, part time.(Read More about Jennifer McDonough)
Jen is a writer for The Direct who deeply enjoys writing, especially about things that she's passionate about. Her non-MCU and Star Wars interests include action figures, sitcoms, and making the perfect peanut butter and banana sandwich. She also does market research, part time.(Read More about Jennifer McDonough)
John Ross Bradford
MCU Writer
John Ross Bradford is a writer and assistant editor for The Direct who loves all things Marvel. Growing up right as the Marvel Cinematic Universe was first being established created an opportunity for him to grow alongside it, and he still enjoys every piece of it that made the MCU what it is today. John Ross loves to follow the most intricate details that Marvel Studios hides within their work, and analyzing the potential that they hold for the MCU. He also enjoys sharing his passion with others, which he does through a small Facebook fanpage for Marvel that he maintains in his free time.(Read More about John Ross Bradford)
John Ross Bradford is a writer and assistant editor for The Direct who loves all things Marvel. Growing up right as the Marvel Cinematic Universe was first being established created an opportunity for him to grow alongside it, and he still enjoys every piece of it that made the MCU what it is today. John Ross loves to follow the most intricate details that Marvel Studios hides within their work, and analyzing the potential that they hold for the MCU. He also enjoys sharing his passion with others, which he does through a small Facebook fanpage for Marvel that he maintains in his free time.(Read More about John Ross Bradford)
Julia Delbel
MCU and DCU Writer
Julia hails from the Greater Toronto Area in Canada and is a news and features writer for the MCU branch of The Direct. She is currently pursuing a degree in Media Studies and in addition to Marvel loves Disney, DC, TV, theater, and more.(Read More about Julia Delbel)
Julia hails from the Greater Toronto Area in Canada and is a news and features writer for the MCU branch of The Direct. She is currently pursuing a degree in Media Studies and in addition to Marvel loves Disney, DC, TV, theater, and more.(Read More about Julia Delbel)
Klein Felt
PLAYSTATION Writer/Editor
Klein is a gaming writer and editor for The Direct based in Western Canada. He has a background in media, working his days in radio broadcasting. While Klein feels most comfortable with a controller in hand, he also loves spending his time consuming podcasts, taking in a movie, or watching as much NBA basketball as possible.(Read More about Klein Felt)
Klein is a gaming writer and editor for The Direct based in Western Canada. He has a background in media, working his days in radio broadcasting. While Klein feels most comfortable with a controller in hand, he also loves spending his time consuming podcasts, taking in a movie, or watching as much NBA basketball as possible.(Read More about Klein Felt)
Lauren Rouse
STAR WARS, MCU and DCU Writer
Lauren is a writer for The Direct in Sydney, Australia. She has worked in film, television and streaming and has a Masters degree in screenwriting, (she is also available to write the next Star Wars movie just FYI). Lauren is a fan of all things pop culture and can often be found at theme parks, playing video games, watching too many TV shows or lining up overnight at San Diego Comic-Con.(Read More about Lauren Rouse)
Lauren is a writer for The Direct in Sydney, Australia. She has worked in film, television and streaming and has a Masters degree in screenwriting, (she is also available to write the next Star Wars movie just FYI). Lauren is a fan of all things pop culture and can often be found at theme parks, playing video games, watching too many TV shows or lining up overnight at San Diego Comic-Con.(Read More about Lauren Rouse)
Liam Crowley
MCU Writer, Editor, Podcaster
Liam Crowley is a writer for The Direct and the co-creator of The Direct Podcast. The self-proclaimed content machine produces and hosts weekly episodes of the website's first audio show while also scribing as many news and feature articles as he can. Outside of The Direct, Liam currently attends Syracuse University where he studies broadcast & digital journalism and previously served as CitrusTV's Entertainment Director. Music is also a vital part of Liam's life, as he says he cannot write without tunes blasting through his JBL speaker.(Read More about Liam Crowley)
Liam Crowley is a writer for The Direct and the co-creator of The Direct Podcast. The self-proclaimed content machine produces and hosts weekly episodes of the website's first audio show while also scribing as many news and feature articles as he can. Outside of The Direct, Liam currently attends Syracuse University where he studies broadcast & digital journalism and previously served as CitrusTV's Entertainment Director. Music is also a vital part of Liam's life, as he says he cannot write without tunes blasting through his JBL speaker.(Read More about Liam Crowley)
Matt Roembke
Writer & Podcast Producer
Matt is a writer and content creator for The Direct who has 10+ years of storytelling experience. Matt has a self-proclaimed “unhealthy obsession” with all things Marvel, Star Wars, Sports and Entertainment. If you engage him in conversation about any of those topics, prepare for an earful. He graduated from Ball State University with degrees in both Visual Communication and Social Media Promotion.(Read More about Matt Roembke)
Matt is a writer and content creator for The Direct who has 10+ years of storytelling experience. Matt has a self-proclaimed “unhealthy obsession” with all things Marvel, Star Wars, Sports and Entertainment. If you engage him in conversation about any of those topics, prepare for an earful. He graduated from Ball State University with degrees in both Visual Communication and Social Media Promotion.(Read More about Matt Roembke)
Nathan Johnson
Star Wars, MCU, and DCU Writer
Nathan is a writer for The Direct's Star Wars, MCU, and DCU branches. He is currently a journalism student at the University of Tennessee, and his passion for writing is second to none. His obsession with film and television, combined with his love for writing, led him to pursue a career as a writer in entertainment. Nathan loves to spend time outdoors, watching sports, and is even in the process of writing an epic fantasy trilogy.(Read More about Nathan Johnson)
Nathan is a writer for The Direct's Star Wars, MCU, and DCU branches. He is currently a journalism student at the University of Tennessee, and his passion for writing is second to none. His obsession with film and television, combined with his love for writing, led him to pursue a career as a writer in entertainment. Nathan loves to spend time outdoors, watching sports, and is even in the process of writing an epic fantasy trilogy.(Read More about Nathan Johnson)
Pamela Gores is the Managing Editor of copy and a writer for The Direct. She earned her bachelor's degree in Writing & Rhetoric with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. She also works full-time as a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) Coordinator/editor at Full Sail University. When she isn’t typing on her laptop, you can find her listening to The 1975 on Spotify or playing Kingdom Hearts.(Read More about Pamela Gores)
Pamela Gores is the Managing Editor of copy and a writer for The Direct. She earned her bachelor's degree in Writing & Rhetoric with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. She also works full-time as a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) Coordinator/editor at Full Sail University. When she isn’t typing on her laptop, you can find her listening to The 1975 on Spotify or playing Kingdom Hearts.(Read More about Pamela Gores)
Pete Hernandez
MCU, STAR WARS, and DCU Writer
Pete is a writer for The Direct, versed in Digital Marketing by day and a human Marvel/Star Wars/Sports encyclopedia by night. He’s written for sites like FanSided and discovered his passion for writing via his roots as a fan of the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and Oakland* Raiders. When not writing, he’s developing his photography skills, reading a great page-turner, or exploring more of New York City (home of his namesake Peter Parker).(Read More about Pete Hernandez)
Pete is a writer for The Direct, versed in Digital Marketing by day and a human Marvel/Star Wars/Sports encyclopedia by night. He’s written for sites like FanSided and discovered his passion for writing via his roots as a fan of the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and Oakland* Raiders. When not writing, he’s developing his photography skills, reading a great page-turner, or exploring more of New York City (home of his namesake Peter Parker).(Read More about Pete Hernandez)
Pierre Chanliau
MCU Writer
Pierre Chanliau is a news and feature writer for the MCU branch of The Direct. They previously worked as an editor and writer for MCUExchange for nearly two years. They’re currently pursuing a career in the video game industry as a producer or narrative designer, but in the meantime, they're getting paid to write about superheroes. In their spare time, they like to watch Michael Schur shows on repeat while writing fiction that will never get published.(Read More about Pierre Chanliau)
Pierre Chanliau is a news and feature writer for the MCU branch of The Direct. They previously worked as an editor and writer for MCUExchange for nearly two years. They’re currently pursuing a career in the video game industry as a producer or narrative designer, but in the meantime, they're getting paid to write about superheroes. In their spare time, they like to watch Michael Schur shows on repeat while writing fiction that will never get published.(Read More about Pierre Chanliau)
Richard Nebens
MCU, STAR WARS, DCU, PLAYSTATION, and XBOX Writer and Asst. Editor
Richard Nebens is a writer and editor for The Direct, specializing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He lives in South Lake Tahoe, California, owns a restaurant, loves playing video games, watching movies, and cheering on his LA/Southern California sports teams. Richard has loved the MCU since its inception in 2008, kicking off his writing career in July 2019 before joining The Direct in March 2020. This team is one of Richard's biggest passions, and he's looking forward to everything The Direct has planned for the future!(Read More about Richard Nebens)
Richard Nebens is a writer and editor for The Direct, specializing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He lives in South Lake Tahoe, California, owns a restaurant, loves playing video games, watching movies, and cheering on his LA/Southern California sports teams. Richard has loved the MCU since its inception in 2008, kicking off his writing career in July 2019 before joining The Direct in March 2020. This team is one of Richard's biggest passions, and he's looking forward to everything The Direct has planned for the future!(Read More about Richard Nebens)
Russ Milheim
Marvel/DC/Playstation Writer
Russ Milheim is based out of Atlanta GA, and gaming is one of his core passions in life. That certainly isn’t his only passion though—you can add Television, Movies, Marvel, Comics, Superheroes, and the Horror genre to the long list of things that drive him. If Pop culture is involved, you can expect him to be a part of it.(Read More about Russ Milheim)
Russ Milheim is based out of Atlanta GA, and gaming is one of his core passions in life. That certainly isn’t his only passion though—you can add Television, Movies, Marvel, Comics, Superheroes, and the Horror genre to the long list of things that drive him. If Pop culture is involved, you can expect him to be a part of it.(Read More about Russ Milheim)
Sam Hargrave
MCU, DC, STAR WARS, XBOX, PLAYSTATION Writer and Content Creator
Sam Hargrave has a passionate love of all things pop culture and gaming, meaning he creates content for all five of The Direct's branches. Having spent several years as a Computer Science student in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sam has recently switched lanes into the field of journalism.(Read More about Sam Hargrave)
Sam Hargrave has a passionate love of all things pop culture and gaming, meaning he creates content for all five of The Direct's branches. Having spent several years as a Computer Science student in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sam has recently switched lanes into the field of journalism.(Read More about Sam Hargrave)
Savannah Sanders
MCU, STAR WARS, and DCU Writer
Savannah is a writer for The Direct from Goreville, Illinois. Savannah has worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment and travel websites, such as ScreenRant and the TouringPlans Blog, and teaches high school history and government. When she's not wrangling teenagers, Savannah enjoys studying film and politics and planning her next trip to a Disney theme park.(Read More about Savannah Sanders)
Savannah is a writer for The Direct from Goreville, Illinois. Savannah has worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment and travel websites, such as ScreenRant and the TouringPlans Blog, and teaches high school history and government. When she's not wrangling teenagers, Savannah enjoys studying film and politics and planning her next trip to a Disney theme park.(Read More about Savannah Sanders)
Tom Drew
MCU, STAR WARS and DCU Writer and Editor
Tom is a writer and editor for The Direct who has previously co-hosted a self-described “extremely popular and awesome” film review segment on BBC Radio Berkshire and makes the occasional video compulsively dissecting new film releases. He also really likes Spider-Man. When he’s not scouring the web for hot scoops, Tom enjoys illustrating, hunting down brick-based deals and catching Pokémon.(Read More about Tom Drew)
Tom is a writer and editor for The Direct who has previously co-hosted a self-described “extremely popular and awesome” film review segment on BBC Radio Berkshire and makes the occasional video compulsively dissecting new film releases. He also really likes Spider-Man. When he’s not scouring the web for hot scoops, Tom enjoys illustrating, hunting down brick-based deals and catching Pokémon.(Read More about Tom Drew)
Trey Tobias
MCU Writer
Trey is a writer for The Direct who has been watching superhero films his entire life. Trey recently graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a film and television degree and hopes to one day write a script for Marvel or DC. For now, he can be found re-watching The Avengers, and writing articles for The Direct.(Read More about Trey Tobias)
Trey is a writer for The Direct who has been watching superhero films his entire life. Trey recently graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a film and television degree and hopes to one day write a script for Marvel or DC. For now, he can be found re-watching The Avengers, and writing articles for The Direct.(Read More about Trey Tobias)