Rachel McDonnell's remarkable career began with a bang when she was entrusted with the responsibility of producing the renowned "Scriptnotes" podcast alongside esteemed creators John August and Craig Mazin. This esteemed role marked a significant milestone in her professional journey, following her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and her subsequent Master of Fine Arts degree from the Peter Stark producing program at the University of Southern California.
As her experience and expertise continued to grow, McDonnell transitioned seamlessly into the role of story editor on Disney+'s groundbreaking Marvel series "WandaVision", which served as a catalyst for her entry into the world of industry writing. This esteemed project not only provided her with invaluable industry experience but also allowed her to work alongside a talented team of individuals who were not only kind and hilarious but also geniuses in their respective fields.
McDonnell's impressive tenure within the Marvel Cinematic Universe continued as she became the first writer to be brought on board for Nia DaCosta's "The Marvels", a project that exemplifies her innovative approach to traditional formats. Additionally, she served as a consulting producer, providing writing and on-set services for the captivating "Agatha: Darkhold Diaries", a testament to her ability to adapt and thrive in a variety of roles.
In addition to her work within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, McDonnell has been busy writing for the Apple TV+ series "Dark Matter", based on Blake Crouch's 2016 novel, as well as Amazon's "Tomb Raider". Furthermore, her original script "Disordered" is set to be developed at FX, a testament to her impressive range and versatility as a writer.
Despite her growing reputation as a skilled shepherd of familiar characters, McDonnell reveals that she draws inspiration from her own life, a testament to her unique perspective and ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
