Marvel is testing actresses for Nick Fury's new sidekick in THE AVENGERS, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Morena Baccarin (TV's V and FIREFLY), Jessica Lucas (CLOVERFIELD), Cobie Smulders (TV's HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD) are the actresses lining up for the role opposite Samuel L. Jackson's eye-patch wearing leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. Rumors are the role is Janet van Dyne aka the Wasp. Whoever lands the role will have a nine-picture option with Marvel.

The actress would join Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow). Joss Whedon is directing.

Production will begin at the end of April.