The wait is hardly over, but Marvel seems to be on a set path to make a standalone Black Widow film. According to Deadline, after a long search for the right director, Cate Shortland has been selected to helm the project and has closed a deal with the studio.
Photograph: The Guardian
What’s happening:
- Earlier today, Deadline reported that Australian director, Cate Shortland has signed a deal with Marvel Studios for her to helm the standalone Black Widow film.
- Scarlett Johansson will reprise her role as the spy and Avenger Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow.
- Shortland was reportedly one of over 40 directors, all female that Marvel’s considered to direct the film.
- In a report from June, Deadline revealed that Shortland was believed to be the favorite to helm the project after meeting with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, and that the shortlist also included Amma Asante (Belle), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry) and Maggie Betts (Novitiate).
- Shortland is best known for her work on Lore and Berlin Syndrome.
- Fans have been asking for a Black Widow almost since the birth of the MCU. She and Hawkeye are the only two original MCU Avengers to not be featured in solo projects.
- No word on when any sort of production will begin.
