Disney Commits to Release "Black Widow" in Cinemas

While many 2020 movies were screened on streaming services amid the coronavirus pandemic, Marvel's "Black Widow" is one of the few movies that are still eyeing a theatrical release.

The highly-anticipated movie, starring Scarlett Johansson, was originally slated for release on May 1, 2020.

However, Disney postponed the release date several times, which is now set to be released on May 7, 2021.

The studio has no plans to shift the movie to its Disney Plus streaming service. Disney CEO Bob Chapek stated Thursday that Black Widow is still set to be a pure theatrical release, as mentioned back at the company’s December investor day in December 2020.

"We are still intending for it to be a theatrical release. We are going to be watching very carefully to see whether that strategy needs to be revisited," Chapek said during an investor call.

The movie features one of the most beloved characters from the Avengers franchise. "Black Widow" is a prequel set in the aftermath of "Captain America: Civil War", in particular, taking place in the two-year gap between “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War“.

Johansson reprises her role as Black Widow, aka Natasha Romanova, who died heroically in "Avengers: Endgame".

The highly-anticipated movie also features David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle, and Rachel Weisz. It is directed by Cate Shortland.

The actress had previously portrayed the character in previous Marvel Cinematic Universe films, such as “Iron Man 2” (2010), “The Avengers” (2012), “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014), “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015), “Captain America: Civil War” (2016), “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018), “Captain Marvel” (2019), and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019).

Speaking about the role, Johansson said: “I get to play Natasha as a fully realised woman and in all of her many facets. I’m excited for fans to see the flawed side of her, what she perceives to be the flawed side of her, and I’m looking to wipe out some of that red in my ledger so you guys will be seeing more of that.”