Scarlett Johansson recently stoked speculation that Black Widow would be departing the MCU in the next blockbuster or its as-yet-untitled sequel Avengers 4.
However a new report claims that Marvel remain dedicated to a long-rumoured solo film for the popular character – and the wheels are finally in motion.
According to The Wrap, Jac Schaeffer has been hired to begin work on a script – almost two years after Kevin Feige pledged his commitment to Black Widow.
“I would say certainly the one [character] creatively and emotionally that we are most committing to doing is [her],” he had declared.
“We think she’s an amazing character. We think Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of her is amazing.
“She’s a lead Avenger and has amazing stories in her own right to tell that we think would be fun to turn into a stand-alone franchise.”
It was late last year when Johansson had spoken as if her time with the studio was coming to an end, but she may have been referring simply to the much-touted end of the current era.
“It’s bittersweet to imagine not having these films to come back to,” she told Vanity Fair.
“I’ve been living this story with these people for 10 years through ups and downs. We’ve built a great family.
“Personally, it feels like a loss.”
Avengers: Infinity War is out on April 27 in the UK.