It looks as though Kiwis are starting to take over the mighty Marvel Cinematic Universe as Niki Caro is in the running to direct Captain Marvel.

The Whale Rider filmmaker is on a shortlist that also includes Australian Jennifer Kent (The Babadook), the Hollywood Reporter reports in an article about Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson (Room) being the frontrunner for the title character.

Caro -- whose credits also include North Country, The Vintner's Luck and the upcoming Zookeeper’s Wife starring Jessica Chastain and Daniel Brühl -- would be the second New Zealander to helm a MCU film after Taika Waititi.

Marvel Studios is believed to be seeking a female director for their first female superhero standalone film, just as DC sought a female for their first, Wonder Woman.

Carol Danvers a.k.a. Captain Marvel's powers come from a fusion of human DNA and genes from the shapeshifting alien race known as the Kree. She made her debut as the character in comics in 1977.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige previously stated the movie version of Captain Marvel will "straddle two worlds. Her origins are very much Earthbound, but her adventures and power base come from the cosmic realm".

While no standalone Black Widow film has even been hinted at, Captain Marvel comes after Marvel being frequently criticised for not having any female-driven films.

Captain Marvel is set for a release in March, 2019.

Newshub.