With critics having given the first film a bit of a kicking, it soon became clear that Gavin Hood would not be invited for a second round of directorial duties, sparking a whole string of rumours as to who Fox were lining up to replace him.

Initially, it was reported that the studio were circling a quartet of intriguingly diverse names, with big hitters Kathryn Bigelow and Tony Scott mentioned alongside Cloverfield’s Matt Reeves and Wanted director Timur Bekmambetov.

The latter’s previous experience with comic-book material was thought to have counted in his favour, whilst Bigelow’s name was perhaps the most eyebrow-raising. However, the talk was soon revolving around Scott and Reeves being named as the final two, before all four were scrapped entirely!

Suddenly, Red director Robert Schwentke was being touted as a potential favourite, before he too was supplanted by Twilight Saga: Eclipse’s David Slade. However, just as fanboys everywhere were preparing to march on Marvel HQ in protest, a new name was announced that just about blew all the others out of the water…