Marvel has faced criticism for its lack of female leads — Shane Black recently revealed that execs nixed a villainess in his Iron Man 3 because "that toy won't sell as well if it's a female" — which it has deflected by pointing to Scarlett Johansson's high-profile supporting role as Black Widow in the Avengers and Captain America films. Recently, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige hinted at a Black Widow solo outing following what's already been announced, meaning sometime after 2019 — at which point Warners may already have sealed a reputation as the more female-friendly superhero studio.

This story first appeared in the May 27 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.