In another timeline not all that different from the one we are living in now, the internet is being set ablaze withBlack Widowbuzz. Instead, we still have months to wait for the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as the movie was delayed by six months due to the ongoing theater closure brought on by current events. But, had things panned out as planned, Scarlett Johannson’s long-awaited and sorely deserved solo adventure as Natasha Romanoff would be in theaters right now.
WhenMarvel Studiosofficially announced its Phase 4 slate, it was revealed that theBlack Widowmovie was finally happening. Not only that, but it was also going to be the movie to kick off the next phase of the MCU. The solo flick was set to arrive on May 1, just over a year afterAvengers: Endgameobliterated the box office and closed the door on more than a decade of interconnected storytelling. It also effectively ended Natasha’s journey, as she sacrificed herself to get the Soul Stone, which was needed to undo Thanos' deadly snap.
Unfortunately, with theaters shut down all around the world,Disneyand Marvel Studios had to make a difficult choice.Black Widowwas pushed back to November 6, which then had something of a domino effect. The entire MCU Phase 4 slate was pushed back as a result. But this is the situation the movie business finds itself in right now. Sure, a movie likeTrolls World Tourcan make enough money on streaming, but big blockbusters such as this still require box office dollars to make financial sense. Not only that, but many fans still want to see this on the big screen. That will still be possible, in due time.
Black Widowis directed by Cate Shortland, which marks the first time in MCU history that a woman has helmed a movie solo. Anna Boden previously co-directedCaptain Marvelwith Ryan Fleck. The cast also includes David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle and Rachel Weisz. As far as the villain goes,Taskmaster will be the villainin this one. Though, the identity of the person under the mask has remained mysterious, which is unique as it is pretty hard to keep the actor playing a big role like this under wraps. We might be in for something of a big surprise.
It’s also important to note that this is a prequel,taking place after the events of Captain America: Civil Warand beforeInfinity War. So it won’t be undoing any of the narrative that has already been established.Black Widowwill be followed byEternalson August 15, 2025, withShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsarriving on August 07, 2025, andSpider-Man 3swinging in on June 28, 2025. The comesDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesson August 25, 2025, and, rounding out Phase 4 forMarvelwill beThor: Love and Thunderon August 21, 2025.
