Hold onto your sorting hats, Marvel fans, because the Wizarding World might be about to collide with the Avengers in a major way.
The internet is currently in a tailspin over reports that Emma Watson is being eyed for a lead role in the upcoming Black Widow standalone film. While Marvel Studios is famous for keeping its secrets under lock and key, the rumor mill is spinning fast with news that Watson’s name is at the top of the studio’s wish list.
According to a report from That Hashtag Show, the Harry Potter actress is being discussed by the heavy hitters at Marvel, including director Cate Shortland, studio president Kevin Feige, and producer Brad Winderbaum.
The role in question is described as a “kick-ass female Bond” type. While we don’t know yet if this character is a classic hero from the comic books or a fresh face created just for the big screen, the description alone has fans on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok dreaming of Watson in high-octane action sequences.
However, Watson isn’t the only star in the mix. The studio is also reportedly looking at rising stars Alice Englert (Beautiful Creatures), Dar Zuzovsky (Hostages), and Florence Pugh (Fighting With My Family).
In a twist of Hollywood fate, Watson and Pugh are actually costars in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of Little Women. It seems the two “sisters” might be facing off for a spot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
While Englert and Zuzovsky have reportedly already auditioned and impressed the powers that be, Watson remains the most “splashy” and high-profile name on the list.
This wouldn’t be Watson’s first rodeo with a Disney-owned property. She previously starred as Belle in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, which smashed box office records to become the highest-grossing film of its year.
Marvel has been uncharacteristically quiet about their plans following Avengers: Endgame, and technically, the Black Widow project hasn’t even been formally announced yet. Still, Feige has teased its existence in interviews, and production is expected to kick off very soon.
If Watson does sign on, it would be a massive win for the MCU. Bringing one of the most beloved stars of the Harry Potter franchise into the fold—someone who has solidified herself as a powerful voice for women in Hollywood—would certainly bring some extra magic to the screen.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see if Hermione Granger is ready to trade her wand for some combat gear. One thing is for sure: the fans are ready for it.
Would you like me to keep an eye on the official casting announcements for the Black Widow movie as they break?
