The Avengers still hasn’t hit theaters, but there’s not a moment to lose when it comes to keeping the Marvel Superhero Machine running.  Iron Man 3 is set for next summer, and it will feature some familiar faces.  In addition to Robert Downey Jr, it’s not too surprising to learn that Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle will be reprising their roles as Pepper Potts and James “Rhodey” Rhodes/War Machine, respectively.  But Latino Review has uncovered [via Feature Film Casting] that Scarlett Johansson will be back as well.  Her character, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, became Tony Stark’s personal assistant in Iron Man 2, but that was just a cover to spy on him for Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) rather than a real occupation.

Hit the jump for my hearty speculation on how she’ll factor into the latest Tony Stark adventure.  Iron Man 3 is being directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang), who is co-writing with Drew Pearce (No Heroics).  The film is set for May 3, 2013.

Not long ago, once Marvel Studios had proved itself as a major player in the summer tentpole game, a slate was released for all of the upcoming films from the new studio. Fans relished the thought of seeing Thor, Captain America and The Avengers on the big screen. Well, after this summer only one new film on that slate will be left (The Avengers) and audiences are left wondering: what will Marvel do next? Thankfully, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently talked about the future of the studio and what flicks are on the horizon.

In addition to confirming sequels for Thor and Captain America (set in modern-day, no less) he discussed possible spinoffs for Black Widow, Hawkeye and S.H.I.E.L.D as well as the long-talked-about Dr. Strange movie. Hit the jump to see what he had to say.

In an interview today, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige confirmed that they’re discussing plans to give Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson) her own movie…but only after they’re done with The Avengers.  Speaking to Superhero Hype, Feige said, “We’ve already started discussions with Scarlett about the idea of a solo movie and have begun putting together concepts, but “The Avengers” comes first.”   Hopefully they’ll be planning to give Johansson a little more screen-time in The Avengers.  Her big action scene in Iron Man 2 drew cheers at the screening I attended and I think audiences want an ass-kicking female superhero.

The Avengers begins filming in February 2011 and will hit theaters on May 4, 2012.  Directed by Joss Whedon, The Avengers also stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, and Mark Ruffalo.

If you’re going to Wonder Con this weekend in San Francisco, you should stop by Booth #242, as they’re giving away free Iron Man 2 mini-posters of Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow while supplies last.  If you’d like to see what the poster looks like, hit the jump.

Also, I’ll be at Wonder Con for the first time this weekend, so expect plenty of interviews from San Francisco on Friday/Saturday/Sunday.  For more info on Wonder Con, click here.