It looks like Marvel could be close to announcing a director for its Black Widow solo movie, with Deadline reporting that the studio has narrowed its search to three potential candidates.

If rumors are to be believed, Marvel has apparently met with over 65 potential filmmakers for the project, but it seems that Cate Shortland (Berlin Syndrome), Amma Assante (Belle) and Maggie Betts (Novitiate) are now the top contenders.

All three are said to have recently met with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige and Scarlett Johansson, while Deadline’s sources believe that Australian filmmaker Shortland is favorite to secure the gig.

Black Widow is being scripted by Jac Schaeffer (The Shower), and is said to be a prequel exploring the origin of Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier is being lined up for an appearance alongside Johansson.

As yet, there’s no word on a potential release date for Black Widow, but given that the studio is close to hiring a director, it appears a safe bet that the film is being eyed as a Phase Four title. Johansson meanwhile will next be seen in the role in next year’s as-yet-untitled Avengers 4.

via Flickering Myth