'Black Widow' and coronavirus: How a delay in the release may impact MCU's first big project of 2020
In a major announcement in 2019, Marvel Studios announced that Scarlett Johansson's 'Black Widow' would be their first major MCU Phase 4 release that would be followed by new movies and TV series.
However, in the wake of the deadly Coronavirus, there have been concerns if the film's release will be delayed. This comes at a time when 'No Time To Die' has been pushed to a November release when it was initially slated for an April 2 release in the UK.
While there have been reports that 'Fast and Furious 9' and 'Black Widow' are unlikely to move their release dates, the current condition may see the head honchos at Marvel giving this a fair amount of thought. The biggest concern would be the timeline. Marvel Studios has 'Eternals' in November and a delay would mean the Richard Madden-Angelina Jolie starrer will be pushed to 2021. It will be a chain reaction and every project will get delayed.
However, the delay may help Marvel if they are focusing on revenue. With the studios having a massive following overseas (China is one of their biggest markets), the BO numbers may take a major hit if they take the gamble and decide to go ahead with the release.
A delay may mean heartbreak for ScarJo followers and a frustratingly long wait for fans, but it may well be for the greater good. Alternatively, the film, considering it is a prequel, can look at having a Disney+ launch after having a limited theatrical release. However, that's a long shot. But again, this would mean Marvel's first big loss in terms of revenue.
That said, not pushing the release date is the studio's decision now and fans can heave a sigh of relief for the time being.
'Black Widow' releases May 1, 2020.