UPDATE:Multiple sourceson Twitter say MCU Exchange's report is premature, and DuVernay has not been offered the job yet. One source says that she's not even the top choice for the gig. We'll see if Marvel weighs in on this one anytime soon.

ORIGINAL POST:

Rumors swirled back in May that Marvel was eyeing "Selma" director Ava DuVernay to helm an upcoming superhero flick, and now, one report suggests that DuVernay has already locked up a high-profile job for the studio.

According to fansite MCU Exchange, DuVernay has been tapped to direct "Black Panther," which stars Chadwick Boseman as the titular hero. The site reports that while talks did indeed begin in May and continued throughout the past month, the esteemed director has only just now officially agreed to take the gig. (Marvel hasn't commented on MCU Exchange's report, or issued a director announcement of its own.)

If true, DuVernay's hiring is a historic one for Marvel, marking her both the first female and the first African-American to helm a flick for the studio. (Patty Jenkins was initially tapped to direct "Thor: The Dark World," but eventually parted ways with the studio over creative differences. She's currently attached as rival studio DC Comics's inaugural female director for "Wonder Woman.") According to a report from TheWrap from last month, Marvel is interested in hiring a female director for "Captain Marvel," too.

"Black Panther" will revolve around T'Challa, prince of the land of Wakanda, charged with ascending to his father's throne and avenging his death. According to MCU Exchange, DuVernay was hired well in advance of "Black Panther"'s 2018 release date so she could be on set for the filming of "Captain America: Civil War," which will introduce Black Panther and Wakanda.

Stay tuned for official word from Marvel. "Black Panther" is due in theaters on July 6, 2018.

[via: MCU Exchange]

Photo credit: Getty Images