WATCH Regina King’s Surprised Reaction When Tiffany Cross Tells Her She’s On Shortlist to Direct New Superman Movie

MSNBC host Tiffany Cross surprised acclaimed actor and director Regina King with the news that Hollywood is buzzing about the possibility of King directing the upcoming Ta-Nehisi Coates-penned Superman film.

On Saturday’s edition of The Cross Connection, Ms. Cross concluded her interview with the Watchmen star by throwing a bit of a curveball.

“I’m curious, because there’s a little bit of gossip. You’re rumored to be on the short list to direct Superman,” Cross said. “You and Barry Jenkins, both of your names have been thrown out there. Anything you want to tell us? Is there any news you can break this morning about those conversations?”

“Tiffany, that is news to me. You have broke the news to me,” Ms. King said with a laugh. “News break! Live on MSNBC!”

“Yeah, no, I have not heard that until just now,” King said, and added “Oh wow.”

“I think there are people who want to see you, particularly because you’re directing Bitter Root,” Cross said, and concluded by asking King about that film.

Several Hollywood outlets have floated rumors that King is on the shortlist, including The Hollywood Reporrter:

As Warners looks to fill its Superman vacancy, Marvel is on the hunt for a Blade helmer and is combing through the same list. But the question will come down to what kind of filmmaker Bad Robot and Warners want: an up-and-comer who can be backed by Abrams, who knows his way around tentpoles and franchises? Or an established filmmaker like a Barry Jenkins or a Ryan Coogler?

The former list can include Creed II’s Steven Caple Jr., J.D. Dillard, Regina King — who got raves for her drama One Night in Miami — and Shaka King, who is popular at Warners thanks to best picture Oscar nominee Judas and the Black Messiah. Some potential directors have met with both studios for both films, even as one agent said the process was “phenomenally early.”

Watch above via MSNBC.