With Warner Bros. announcing their DC Comics' film slate up to 2020 this week -- including a "Wonder Woman" film starring Gal Gadot for 2017 -- eyes are on the competition at Marvel Studios to see when they'll announce a female-led superhero film. Variety asked Marvel exec producer and exec VP of visual effects Victoria Alonso yesterday about the possibility of a film focused on a female lead, and Alonso told them: "If it were up to me, it would be today."

According to the Variety story, "Alonso then took a long pause to consider what to say next, finally smiling and declining to say more."

Alonso was on hand for a keynote speech at the Visual Effects Society Production Summit, where she talked about Marvel Studios' story process, but also addressed the gender balance in the VFX industry.

"You've got to get the girls in here, boys. It's better when it's 50-50," she continued. "I have been with you beautiful, handsome, talented, creative men in dark rooms for two decades and I can tell you those rooms are better when there are a few of us in them. So as you take this with you, please remember that it's OKto allow the ladies in. They're smart, they're talented. They bring a balance that you need."

Alonso also appeared on the "Women of Marvel" panel at this past summer's Comic-Con in San Diego and was reluctant to admit a Black Widow film would happen: "Scarlett Johansson is a little busy having a baby at the moment," said Alonso. But called on the panel and panelists to get involved to see more prominent female characters in comics, television and movies. "I am ready. I need your help. Write!"