Chloe Zhao to direct The Eternals

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Chloe Zhao will direct Marvel's upcoming movie 'The Eternals'.

The 36-year-old filmmaker was snapped up by studio chiefs following the critical acclaim for her movie 'The Rider' as they worried she'd quickly land another job, and she's now set to take the reins on their adaptation of Jack Kirby's 1976 saga.

The story of 'The Eternals' takes place millions of years ago and sees the result of genetic experiments on humans conducted by the Celestials create super-powered individuals and villainous other beings known as the Deviants, who battled throughout history to become the ultimate race.

'Ruin' writers Matthew and Ryan Firpo have signed up to pen the script for the movie, while Marvel boss Kevin Feige will produce the picture.

Chloe initially met with Marvel Studios to talk about the possibility of directing Scarlett Johansson in a 'Black Widow' standalone movie, but the job eventually went to Cate Shortland.

Scarlett, 33, is reported to have pushed Cate's credentials, having been impressed with her handling of the female-led historical drama 'Lore'.

The 'Black Widow' movie - which will be Marvel's second female-focused film after 'Captain Marvel' - is reportedly set before the events of the first 'Avengers'.

Scarlett has frequently spoken out in support of making a standalone Black Widow, and in 2017, she revealed she'd talked to Marvel Studio boss Kevin Feige about the possibility.

She explained: "I've talked to Kevin Feige about it. We're creatively really compatible. I think we both agree that the character is right for a standalone, it's just a case of timing at this point for both Marvel and myself."

There is currently no official release date for 'The Eternals' but the studio's next release will be 'Captain Marvel' in March 2019.