The "Black Widow" standalone film is finally happening, but Scarlett Johansson won't, of course, be totally alone. Casting is underway, and a new face is reportedly poised to join the MCU.

"Fighting With My Family" star Florence Pugh is in negotiations for a second lead role, according to Variety's sources. The publication reports that she's been one of the front-runners since last fall. Producers are said to have met with multiple actresses, and then given her the edge after the response to her latest film.

In "Fighting With My Family," Pugh plays real-life pro wrestler Saraya Knight (a.k.a. Paige). The movie opened Feb. 22 after first premiering at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival in January. Her character fights, of course, so Pugh may be especially well-prepared now to join a superhero flick.

The "Black Widow" movie is making progress after years of fans calling for it. Screenwriter Jac Schaeffer was reported to have joined the project in January 2018, and then news of director Cate Shortland's hiring came in July. Johansson is back on board to star as her heroic character, Natasha Romanoff (a.k.a. Black Widow), a role she has been playing since 2010's "Iron Man 2."

Marvel has not yet commented on Pugh's potential involvement. If she does indeed reach a deal, the project will add to her growing body of work. She recently starred in Netflix's "Malevolent" and "Outlaw King" and will be seen in "Midsommar" and "Little Women," both due out this year.

[via: Variety]