According to an exclusive by The Hollywood Reporter, after half a year of searching through 70 candidates, Marvel Studios landed on Australian director Cate Shortland as their official director for the upcoming Black Widow, starring Scarlett Johannson.

A woman director was the optimal goal in the search, but through much difficulty, they even began looking toward male directors. Luckily, they found Shortland through Johansson, who is a supposed fan and specifically asked for her after seeing her direction of the female lead in Shortland’s 2012 drama Lore.

Before they chose Shortland, the final candidates also included Amma Asante (Belle, A United Kingdom) and Maggie Betts (Novitiate).

Jac Schaeffer penned the most recent draft for the female-driven superhero flick, and the plot is said to be set before Black Widow’s interaction with the Avengers.