First-Ever Black Superhero Film Recruiting Ava DuVernay To Direct

Marvel is making big moves. Ava DuVernay, acclaimed director of Selma, is in talks to direct one of the studio’s next superhero movies —  Captain Marvel or Black Panther — The Wrap reports. At this point, the latter seems more likely. Either way, it’s about time. There are two reasons why this such a big win for African-American community and women. Not only will DuVernay be the first woman to direct a Marvel film (although the company initially hired Patty Jenkins to direct Thor: The Dark World), but she will also be the first African-American to helm an onscreen adaptation for the comic book giant. And, while it may have taken Marvel some time to get there, the company has been quite diligent about diversifying its future productions. According to Hollywood buffs, Marvel has been determined in its quest to hire a female filmmaker for Captain Marvel and an African-American director for Black Panther. There’s no telling if DuVernay will work on both projects, but she clearly fits the bill for both. And, from what we saw of her work in Selma, she’s undoubtedly more than qualified (regardless of her snub in the 2015 Oscar race for best director).  Black Panther, set to star Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, the prince of Wakanda, focuses on his journey to take over his father’s reign and avenge his death. The print version marks the first appearance of a black superhero in mainstream comics. Captain Marvel is Marvel’s first female-led superhero movie, which follows the life of Carol Danvers, a woman who gains cosmic powers after an accident with an alien.  Black Panther is scheduled to hit theaters in July 2018 and Captain Marvel will follow soon after in November of the same year. You won’t want to miss either. (The Wrap)