After being delayed for an entire year due to the pandemic, Black Widow has a new release date, cementing Disney's intention to release in 2021. Adding to theatrical release, Disney has announced that in addition to theaters, Black Widow will be making its debut on Disney Plus as part of the Disney Premier Access.
The news comes from Marvel Studios, which tweeted the details, the new release date, and a new poster to accompany the news, followed by a press release on their main website. The release states that Black Widow would be released simultaneously, both in theaters and on Disney+, and goes on to detail the premise of the movie. Accompanying the new announcement is an update for Marvel Studios' Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, a new movie for Marvel's Phase Four. Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which stars Sim Liu as Shang-Chi, will now release on September 3rd, 2021. It is unknown if Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will also be released on Disney Plus through Premier Access.
A prequel to the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, Black Widow puts actress Scarlett Johannson in the shoes of the deadly assassin for one last time. Following the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Black Widow is on the run, following the rise of H.Y.D.R.A and the collapse of S.H.I.E.L.D. Forced to confront her past, she is faced with undoing a sophisticated conspiracy with ties to her past.
In the center of this conspiracy is a new villain, one that can mimic the fighting styles of The Avengers, Taskmaster. Black Widow is directed by Cate Shortland (Berlin Syndrome, Lore) with a screenplay by Thor: Ragnarok screenwriter Eric Pearson, and a story penned by both Ned Benson and Jac Schaeffer (Wandavision).
The film finds itself in a newly shuffled position. Originally, Black Widow was meant to debut Phase Four of the MCU, but that duty went to Wandavision debuting earlier this year on Disney +. Black Widow finds itself right between the debut of Loki on Disney+ and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, releasing in September. Despite being a prequel, the character is revered in the MCU fanbase and should draw solid success for Disney.
The delay clearly means Disney is ramping up new marketing for the film and is determined to release the film. Though, no film can escape the impact of COVID-19, and its continued effects on the film industry. Today's news follows Disney struggling to make a decision regarding the movie, especially after such a long wait without an update. Fans may have to wait a little longer, but Black Widow should be everything fans are hoping for.
Black Widow releases on July 9th, 2021, both in theaters and on Disney Plus through Premier Access.
Source: Marvel