Marvel fans who packed theaters to see "Black Panther" earlier this year know all too well how important women are to the world of Wakanda. So it makes sense, then, that the film's director wants to explore a female-centric spinoff flick.

That was the word from Ryan Coogler, who touched upon the possibility during an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday. While speaking about the film's female characters -- particularly the formidable women played by Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and scene-stealing fan favorite Letitia Wright -- Coogler said, "I think you could argue they are more important" than the film's male characters.

The director added that he thought those characters "could easily carry their own movie," noting, " I would watch a movie with them!"

Marvel boss Kevin Feige had previously floated the idea of an all-female "Black Panther" spinoff, though such a film is not currently in the works (well, not officially, anyway -- unless one of their upcoming mystery projects is a Women of Wakanda flick). But Coogler told the Cannes crowd that he would jump at the chance to make that movie.

"That would be amazing if the opportunity came up," the director said. "They did it in the comic-book version."

We'll keep our fingers crossed that Coogler gets his chance to tell that story.

[via: Variety]