UPDATE: According to an update on the original Deadline article, we can add a few more names to the “Black Widow” director search. The report states that Amma Asante (“Belle“), Kimberly Peirce (“Boys Don’t Cry“), and Maggie Betts (“Novitiate“) are also in the running for the gig. These are all interesting choices, who are not known for their tentpole/action films, so it appears that Marvel is casting a wide net, past the usual suspects, for their Scarlett Johansson-led film.
Original story follows…
It appears that Marvel Studios isn’t just stringing along fans who have been begging for a “Black Widow” film for years. While nothing has officially been announced, it’s been widely reported that Marvel Studios has begun the process of bringing everyone’s favorite Russian spy (sorry, “Red Sparrow” fans) to the big screen. And according to Deadline, we now know that Marvel Studios is starting to narrow down its shortlist of directors, with one name popping up as a favorite.
The report states that Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland is a director to “keep an eye on” as Marvel Studios begins to figure out their “Black Widow” film. Shortland is probably best known for the films “Lore” and her most recent release “Berlin Syndrome.” Deadline doesn’t name anyone else that is on Marvel Studios’ shortlist, but even still, Shortland is an exciting option, if chosen.
Recently, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, has been keeping mum on the slate of films that are coming post-‘Avengers 4.’ However, Feige has said that there will be “a heck of a lot” of female filmmakers hired to tackle projects for the superhero studio. And obviously, with a film like “Black Widow,” which would no doubt feature Scarlett Johansson in the lead role, a female filmmaker would be a priority for Marvel.
If chosen, Shortland wouldn’t be the first female filmmaker for Marvel Studios. Anna Boden, along with her directing partner Ryan Fleck, was chosen by Feige and Co. to helm the upcoming “Captain Marvel” film. “Captain Marvel” marks the first film with a solo female lead for Marvel Studios in their decade-plus existence. However, their next film, “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” has a female lead (Evangeline Lilly) who shares top billing.
Again, it’s still way too early to tell when a “Black Widow” film could be released, but against all odds, it feels like Marvel Studios is actually going to do it this time.