UPDATE: A little more input on the Black Widow director search. I hear Cate Shortland, but sources said not to count out Amma Asante (Belle), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry) and Maggie Betts (Novitiate) who round out the top three contenders culled from a field of 49. It was Shortland, Assante and Betts who met recently with Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Scarlett Johansson.

EARLIER: Biding its time by putting her in The Avengers and other superhero titles, Marvel is moving forward with a Black Widow film with Scarlett Johansson. While they are looking at female filmmakers, Deadline hears keep an eye on Australian helmer Cate Shortland on the short list. Her recent credits include Lore and most recently Berlin Syndrome. Stay tuned.