Rebecca Hall is in talks for a female leading role in Iron Man 3

After reports put Oscar-nominated Jessica Chastain in the role of a female lead for Iron Man 3, everything seemed to be ready for production, which begins filming at the end of the month.

Not so fast.

Chastain announced on her Facebook page on Monday that she would not be playing the part, due to conflicting projects. Now, Marvel Studios and Disney are in talks with Rebecca Hall for the role, reports Variety.

Hall would be female scientist who helps create nanotechnology called Extremis, which is the storyline from the popular Marvel comic called Iron Man Extremis. The technology, which acts as a biological superhuman enhancement, is stolen by terrorists and used by Tony Stark, who uses it save his life after a losing battle against the terrorists. Extremis, however, has some side effects: it allows Stark to form a neurological bond with his suit.

This sounds like a break out role for Hall, who has starred in such films as The Town, The Prestige and Vicky Christina Barcelona, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination in 2008. With the majority of the films she has starred in being of a smaller budget, it’s great to see her attached to a summer blockbuster, especially coming off the heels of The Avengers.

Iron Man 3, starring Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley, will open May 3, 2013.