Will 'Black Widow' release soon? Leaked Hong Kong poster reveals new date for Scarlett Johansson's Marvel film
A new poster for Marvel's 'Black Widow' has given us a look at a new release date for the much-anticipated film. The movie was originally scheduled for release on May 1, 2020, but was delayed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With several nations now cautiously reopening theatres, it seems like Marvel may be willing to take the plunge and release the film after all.
Marvel has now pushed the film to May 7, 2021, as listed on its website. However, there are rumors of a further delay as theatres in key markets such as Los Angeles and New York are still shut. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the entire film industry, with many movies like 'F9', 'No Time To Die', 'Death On The Nile' and 'Godzilla vs. Kong' all holding out for theatrical releases.
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Others, like 'Wonder Woman 1984' and 'Tenet' released simultaneously on streaming services and in theatres that were open, but reported poor incomes. So will 'Black Widow' finally release? It seems likely. Interestingly, the Hong Kong poster for the film, which leaked on Reddit, has a release date of April 29.
Black Widow's MCU woes
Scarlett Johansson's 'Black Widow' has had a rough ride in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From being a background character for a majority of the 'Infinity Saga' to being killed in 'Endgame', fans have long demanded better treatment. Then Marvel promised to delivery with a standalone film following the success of 'Captain Marvel'. It's a late, but nonetheless welcome addition to Marvel's ever-expanding universe.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic the film had to be pushed back multiple times. As the film keeps getting delayed, many are wondering about its relevance in the MCU, with 'WandaVision' streaming and 'Falcon and the Winter Soldier' and 'Loki' all set to release in the coming months.
Theatrical release coming
With that in mind, the film could release on April 29 in China, where life has mostly returned to normal. Hong Kong theatres are currently open with several health guildelines in place. A May 1 US release also seems very likely, with theatres closed statewide in only New Mexico. Most states have allowed theatres to reopen with limited capacities, as noted. Unlike other studios, Disney seems firm on a traditional theatrical release. The company has also reportedly toyed with the idea of launching the film on Disney Plus, through a 'Premier Access' tier.
The idea of a simultaneous release on Disney Plus is gaining popularity. On a Reddit thread, one user said, "I really feel that even with cinemas starting to open that they should still offer it on Premier Access as well. Of course nobody is being forced to go to the cinema but I think it’s important right now that customers have choices." Others want Disney to release the film on the streaming services to avoid piracy. As one user noted, "We won’t have indoor cinemas here in the UK until the middle of May at the earliest and only then with limited capacity. Full capacity won’t be a thing for at least a month after that. They’re going to have to put it on Disney+ here if they don’t want it pirated to death."
If the Reddit leak is accurate, Disney will indeed put the film out one way or the other. That could mean a May 7 release in the US, either in theatres or on Disney Plus. It's better not to put too much faith in this news until we get confirmation from Disney.