Ava DuVernay tipped to be first black female director of a Marvel superhero movie

Reports have tipped the Selma director to helm Black Panther

Ava DuVernay is favourite to direct Marvel's first minority-led superhero movie, Black Panther (Getty Images)

Ava DuVernay is poised to be the first black and first female director to helm a Marvel superhero movie.

The Selma director has been tipped by MCU Exchange to take on Black Panther, starring Get on Up actor Chadwick Boseman as the studio's first black superhero, but is yet to sign on any dotted lines and confirm her involvement.

DuVernay has been widely acclaimed for her directorial talent and has built a reputation as a strong, creative mind.

It remains to be see what her vision for Black Panther would entail, with the story focusing on a clash between the US government, white industrialists and the local people of fictional African nation Wakanda over the metal Vibranium, from which Captain America's shield is made. Expect racial overtones a plenty, something that DuVernay would likely be keen to explore.

Marvel has been aiming to increase diversity in its film slate, casting Idris Elba in Thor and Michael B Jordan in Fantastic Four despite some resistance from fans demanding white actors.

DuVernay has spoken about the lack of opportunities for black actors and directors in Hollywood before, saying during a speech at SXSW in March that "studios aren't lining up to make films about black people being autonomous and independent".

The 42-year-old became the first black female director to be nominated for a Golden Globe award earlier this year, as well as the first to have a movie nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.

Black Panther is scheduled for US release on 6 July 2018, with a UK date yet to be announced. Here's hoping DuVernay is behind the camera.