Scarlett Johansson may soon lead her own cinematic superhero story. Marvel Studios is reportedly developing a Black Widow solo stand-alone film starring Scarlett Johansson. The studio is currently on track for the film to be the first solo superhero film in this new comic book blockbuster era.



Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has long spoken about the possibility of a Black Widow solo film since the character’s introduction back in 2010’s Iron Man 2. Marvel has stated that they first had discussions with Scarlett Johansson about developing the solo Black Widow film when the actress signed a multiple-picture deal in 2009 though Feige made it clear that their intentions were firmly on finishing phase one before committing to anything. Now, as the studio’s phase two is nearly halfway through, Feige is starting to make his plans known on what waits around the corner for phase three.

Bursting into the Marvel cinematic universe in Iron Man 2 and reprising the role in the blockbuster smash hit The Avengers, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow has become an immensely popular character with only the pair of supporting roles. The character first hit the pages of the Marvel comic book Tales Of Suspense as an antagonist to Iron Man back in 1964. The character was soon rewritten into a hero role and eventually the sixteenth official member of the superhero squad, The Avengers. The Black Widow has remained one of Marvel’s most famous female characters since her inception.

On April 4th, Scarlett Johansson will make her third appearance as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Captain America: The Winter Solider. The film is rumored to delve further into Natasha’s backstory and the mysterious history surrounding the super-spy. Feige has spoken about how the Captain America sequel will completely change the dynamic of the cinematic landscape for the Marvel universe. So far, Johansson’s character background has only been seen passing references and quick mentions in the midst of stories centered around the other heroes. The Avengers writer-director Joss Whedon has already stated that Romanoff plays a large part in the heavily anticipated sequel, The Avengers: Age Of Ultron.

Whether or not the Black Widow solo film is apart of phase three will remain to be seen. Phase three will feature third entries into Captain America, Thor and The Avengers franchise while Ant-Man will make his debut in the Marvel cinematic universe on July 17th, 2015. Ant-Man is written and directed by Edgar Wright known for his “Cornetto trilogy” comprised of Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End. The superhero film will star Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas. Wright also helmed the comic book adaptation, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. To date, Marvel Studios has only announced a release date for Ant-Man. Along with a Black Widow film, Feige is rumored to want a sequel to the up-coming The Guardians Of The Galaxy film as well as stand-alone features for characters Doctor Strange, Black Panther and the Inhumans. There also been talks of Hulk receiving another film but the studio is remaining quiet as to its larger plans at this point. Official announcement on Marvel’s next steps may have to wait until the San Diego Comic Con in July where the studio is known for making their plans clear to fans everywhere. If Marvel is developing a solo Black Widow film starring Scarlett Johansson, it would certainly help further diversify their ever-expanding cinematic universe.

By Benjamin Murray

Sources:

Variety

Channel 24

Hypable

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