Indie director Lynn Shelton was in talks with Marvel to direct the Black Widow standalone feature starring Scarlett Johansson, the director revealed at a SXSW panel hosted by Variety and the National Association of Theater Owners. Shelton previously directed the 2014 film Laggies, in addition to several episodes of New Girl, Fresh Off the Boat, and GLOW.
Shelton was considering “throwing her hat in the ring” to join the MCU after speaking with Marvel in the early rounds of planning Black Widow. “You’d have to answer to MCU, or whatever, but as long as you had enough of a say and you’re really bringing your s— to the playground as well, … it might be a really interesting experience,” Shelton says.
Ultimately, Marvel found its director in Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland, but it’s good to see more women directors in the running.
Photo: Barbara Kinney, Marvel