Black Widow is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 7, 2021. As the release date gets closer, Disney CEO has suggested there is some openness to the next film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe being released on Disney+. This comes after it seemed like an impossibility that the film could be released anywhere other than the movie theaters.
Originally slated to release in May 2020, Black Widow has now seen its release date delayed twice. As the most recent release date gets closer, much of the country is still in the early stages of reopening. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Disney CEO Bob Chapek suggested there is a possibility that the film could be released straight to the consumer.
Flexibility is something that we’ve been working against, and our situations and our conditions change. I mean, just a few weeks ago theaters in New York and Los Angeles weren’t even open, and now all of a sudden they’re open. So we’re waiting to see exactly how guests respond, prospective theater-goers respond, to these re-openings. And we’re going to remain flexible. We’re going to make the call essentially, probably, at the last minute in terms of how these films come to market – whether it’s Black Widow or any other title.
Releasing a film simultaneously in theaters and Disney+ is not unprecedented for the company any more. This was recently done with Raya and the Last Dragon. It was released in theaters and also on Disney+ with Premiere Access. However, Disney and Marvel have been very committed to the film heading to theaters. Any decision otherwise will be made at the last minute for Black Widow.
During the last year’s pandemic, Disney has seen many changes to its business models. As the company has seen its parks closed or operating at a reduced capacity because of COVID-19, Disney+ and its other streaming services have become a bright spot for the company.
DAPS MAGIC will continue to follow this story and provide updates on the release of Black Widow as they become available. Where do you think it should be released? Should it be solely theatrically? Should it also get a Disney+ Premiere Access release as well? Share your thoughts and opinions as well!
