The momentum for filmmaker Ava Duvernay seems to be unstoppable.
Word around Hollywood is that Duvernay is on the short list of directors being considered to join the powerful Marvel Cinematic Universe. Affectionately referred to as the “MCU,” the media franchise produces blockbuster films based upon characters from Marvel comics such as Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and Thor, among others.
Though nothing has been finalized, insiders say that Marvel is courting the Selma director to possibly helm its upcoming projects Black Panther or Captain Marvel.
News of Marvel’s interest in Duvernay comes on the heels of the American Civil Liberties Union inquiring about hiring practices at some of Hollywood’s biggest agencies and studios. The ACLU believes there has been ongoing blatant and intentional discrimination against female directors for some time. If Duvernay is hired to direct either project (sources say MCU is leaning toward hiring her to direct Black Panther), it will mark the first time an African American director or a female director has been put in charge of an MCU film.
Black Panther, which will star Chadwick Boseman, is scheduled to hit theaters in July 2018, while Captain Marvel is currently slated to be released in November 2018.
