The Avengers : Age of Ultron

British actresses Emily Blunt and Ruth Wilson are head-to-head in a race for the most sought-after new female role in Hollywood.

Emily, 29, below, star of The Young Victoria, and Ruth, 30, from TV’s Luther, are both hotly tipped to play superhero Ms Marvel in Avengers 2, the sequel to Avengers Assemble, one of the biggest box office hits of all time.

The new movie is due to begin shooting next year. Whoever is chosen will star alongside Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr and Chris Hemsworth, who will reprise their comic-book hero roles.