In May of this year it was rumored the world would finally get what it’s been asking for, a Black Widow movie! But it doesn’t stop there, the movie will also have a female director!
The superhero movie will star Scarlet Johansson as Natasha Romanoff, the plot is still relatively unknown (but very much speculated), writers have been brought on board, and now the hunt is on for the quintessential female director.
Apparently over 65 directors have met with Marvel about the job, but none have been chosen. The studio wants to be thorough and get the right person to deliver on a movie many fans have wanted since they first meet Natasha Romanoff in Iron Man 2. In the search for a female filmmaker, the list is long, but Australian director Cate Shortland is believed to be at the top of the list.
Shortland’s most recent credits include the 2012 historical drama Lore and the 2017 mystery film Berlin Syndrome.
Out of 49 contenders, three candidates have been chosen. Cate Shortland, Amma Asante, and Maggie Betts have all met with producer Kevin Fergie and Scarlett Johansson.
Marvel is ready to increase diversity behind the camera in its films, and these three female directors are proof. These three may not have high profile movies under their belt, but if there is one thing we know about Marvel is that they know how to choose lesser known directors who understand character first and who are determined to dynamic storytelling.
This Black Widow solo film may be a prequel film, following Natasha Romanoff in the United States 15 years after the fall of the Soviet Union. With a director shortlist, all signs seem to point to the MCU's original heroine, Black Widow finally getting her solo movie in the hyper-mysterious Phase 4.
We can’t wait to hear which talented female director they choose!