While Marvel Studios has yet to announce their Phase 4 slate of films, which will debut after the untitled ‘Avengers 4,’ one of the films that are heavily rumored to be part of that group is starting to take shape. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel Studios already has been taking meetings with a few female directors to potentially helm a solo “Black Widow” film.
Mentioned at the bottom of a report about the recent “Star Trek” director news is a blurb naming three women that have met with Marvel Studios about the spy film. Turkish director, and Academy Award nominee, Deniz Gamze Erguven (“Mustang”), Chloe Zhao (“The Rider,” and also someone we spoke to on a recent podcast), and Amma Asante (“A United Kingdom”).
As is apparent by that list of names, Marvel Studios is clearly looking at female directors for the female-starring film. “Black Widow” will follow Natasha Romanoff, an elite spy with a very troubled past that has recently found herself part of the supergroup Avengers. While its unclear about what the plot might be for the film, the general thought is that the film would most likely be a prequel, diving into the spy’s rocky past, which has been heavily hinted at in the MCU films.
“Black Widow” would star Scarlett Johansson, who has played the character in multiple appearances, dating back to 2010’s “Iron Man 2,” and seen most recently in the mega-blockbuster “Avengers: Infinity War.” She’s been a fan-favorite for years, and is an obvious choice for a solo film, even though Marvel is just now getting around to producing one.
With the three names mentioned above, it’s also clear that Marvel Studios is looking at younger, less-experienced talent for the film. It’s been their M.O. to hire indie directors, or even television directors, to helm their big-budget action films, and it’s paid off critically and commercially. The three women reported to have met with the studio would all make excellent choices, if they’re hired.