Will there be a Spider-Woman? Sony announces plans for a female superhero movie... after Scarlett Johansson's film Lucy makes a fortune

By Johnni Macke

Published: 17:55 EST, 4 August 2014 | Updated: 19:23 EST, 4 August 2014

For decades there has been a Spider-Man. Now the world may get a Spider-Woman.

On Monday Sony announced plans to create a strong female superhero film. Who the character will be is still up for debate, but there are a few front runners.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the move was inspired by the big box office take for the Scarlett Johnasson action thriller Lucy.

Female powerhouse: Spider-Woman is a possible lead for Sony's new superhero film; this photo is not a Sony drawing, but rather is a rendering from Marvel Comics

'[Lucy] proved that there is an appetite for female-driven action movies. It topped the box office with $43.9 million in its debut, taking out other action pic Hercules,' the site reported.

Who that action heroine could be is up for debate but contenders include not just Spider-Woman but also Wonder Woman, Cat Woman and Black Widow (who has been played in the Avengers films by Johansson).

It was not mentioned which actress may play the role.

Star studded: Lynda Carter as TV's Wonder Woman from 1976 to 1979

An inspiration: Scarlett Johansson's Lucy made a fortune this summer

The female-based super hero flick is more than just an idea/

Deadline reported that Lisa Joy - who co-created HBO's Westworld - has been hired to write the script for the upcoming Sony production. The script is said to be centered around a female character in 'the Spider-Man universe.'

After Sony's last installment of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 didn't perform as well as expected at the box office they are in need of a hit superhero film. The studio has even pushed back their production on another movie because of the box office flop.

'Sony pushed the release of The Amazing Spider-Man 3, which had been dated for June 10, 2016, to 2018,' The Hollywood Reporter revealed.

Cat attack: Halle Berry was fierce in 2004's Catwoman

Sony isn't the only one focusing on female superheros, however.

In July, Marvel announced that they will be creating a new comic book with a female Thor.

'The new Thor continues Marvel's proud tradition of strong female characters like Captain Marvel, Storm, Black Widow and more. And this new Thor isn't a temporary female substitute - she's now the one and only Thor, and she is worthy' said Marvel editor, Wil Moss.

Hammer time: Marvel is gearing up for its newest superhero comic book featuring a female Thor

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