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Will Americans watch 'Black Widow' in cinemas? Internet calls theater release a 'bad call' amid Covid-19 fear

Disney CEO Bob Chapek made it evident that the release date for Marvel's 'Black Widow' is May 7 and the long-overdue film will be seen in theaters

The world is yet to shake off the 'WandaVision' hangover when they were given another piece of news that sent them into a tizzy. Disney CEO Bob Chapek made it evident that the release date for Marvel's 'Black Widow' is May 7 and the long-overdue film will be seen in theaters. The Scarlett Johansson-starrer has been a constant topic of discussion ever since a leaked release date did the rounds on Twitter. Adding to this was the conjecture of whether it would get released on Disney+.

"I hope you’ve all had an opportunity to see our latest family entertainment achievement, Disney Animation Studio's 'Raya and the Last Dragon' which we released last week in theaters and on Disney+ premiere access to great acclaim and social buzz," Chapek said, according to a Deadline report. "As we’ve said we believe it’s important to put the consumer in charge and let them decide how they want to enjoy our films particularly as we navigate through the pandemic. We are really excited about the full slate of films we have in store. Next up is Black Widow, currently sent for release in theaters on May 7."

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Reactions on social media were that of nervous excitement. Although administration of the vaccines has begun across the country, there was still a strong segment that fervently hoped 'Black Widow' would release on the streaming network. The fear of the pandemic saw some negative responses when it came to deciding if the movie was worth going to the cinemas for.

"We're exactly two months away from the release of Black Widow and the execs are still very adamant to release it in theatres. If that's the case, I don't think I'll be able to watch it right when it comes out with how the situation is where I am," read one of the tweets. "Ugh I want to see Black widow but it’s only going to be in theatres in May?! I’m vaccinated but the movie theatres by me are all still closed!! And don’t feel comfortable watching w others yet Wish they would do streaming but I know disney is worried about losing money.. ugh"

"Guess I’m not seeing #BlackWidow when it comes out. Shame, but theatres only is a bad call, the pandemic won’t be over in May," a comment read. "If #BlackWidow only opens in theatres. I doubt I will be seeing it. With lockdowns still going on here in Ontario. Theatres probably won’t be open by May. #MCU" a fan remarked. Some hoped for a hybrid release. "Release Black Widow as hybrid release both in theatres and on Disney Plus, everyone is happy."

"@Disney @MarvelStudios please do theatres and @DisneyPlusCA I will give you $35 just so I can watch this safely at home in bed. We have never let you down with a marvel movie, please let us all feel safe watching Black Widow," seconded another.

'Black Widow's official synopsis reads: "Following the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016), Natasha Romanoff finds herself alone and forced to confront a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Romanoff must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger."

The movie will mark the first MCU installment directed solely by a woman — Cate Shortland. The Australian director is known for 'Berlin Syndrome' (2017), 'Lore' (2012), and 'Somersault' (2004). The first MCU Phase 4 flick also stars Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh and David Harbour alongside Johansson.