The head of Marvel Studios has revealed that the blockbuster film franchise is preparing to debut its first transgender superhero. 

Kevin Feige, who has been in charge of Marvel Studios since 2007,  told the New York Film Academy Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday that the character will be included in a film that is shooting 'right now'. 

Feige did not go into any further specifics, but his announcement has triggered a flurry of speculation among fans.   

Last year, Marvel announced a spate of upcoming Phase 4 projects at San Diego Comic-Con, with the first film, Black Widow, set to be released on on May 1. 

The big-budget action movie, which stars Scarlett Johansson in the lead role, is already in post-production, prompting Marvel obsessives to conclude that the film isn't likely to feature the trans character.