Creed director Ryan Coogler in talks to direct Black Panther

After being pursued by Marvel for months, Creed director Ryan Coogler has entered negotiations to direct Black Panther.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Coogler has entered very early discussions with the studio over the possibility of helming the anticipated feature. This is the first film to star a black character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chadwick Boseman has already been cast to play the role

Coogler, most known for his work writing and directing the latest Rocky installment, made a name for himself back in 2013 with his Sundance hit, Fruitvale Station, which also starred the young Michael B. Jordan. He's quickly become one of Hollywood's most desired directors and this movie would mark his foray into the blockbuster superhero genre.

However, just because he's reportedly in talks to direct the film doesn't mean he's confirmed. Black Panther has had a rocky past with directors attaching themselves to the project, or rumored to have been attached to the project, before stepping back.

Most notable was Selma director Ava DuVernay, who was originally attached to the project. DuVernay reportedly stepped down because she was unhappy with the level of creative control Marvel Studios offered her.

After DuVernay, Straight Outta Compton director F. Gary Gray was rumored to be up for the role, but those rumors were squashed when Gray confirmed he would be stepping behind the camera for the eighth Fast and Furious movie.

So while these negotiations should be treated as preliminary talks, it seems like Marvel is desperate to land a director, and the studio seems pretty hellbent on Coogler.

Black Panther will hit theaters Feb. 16, 2018, but fans can get their first glimpse of the hero in action in Captain America: Civil War, which will be released on May 6, 2016.