Disney has doubled down on its plans to release Black Widow in theaters and its May 7 release date hasn't changed. Speaking at the company's annual shareholder meeting (reported by Deadline), Disney CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that the Scarlett Johansson-directed MCU film is still scheduled to hit world theaters later this spring. Chapek's comments follow renewed speculation that Black Widow's release will be postponed again due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. “As we said, we think it's important to empower the consumer and let them decide how they want to enjoy our movies, especially as we go through the pandemic,” Chapek said. "We're very excited about the full slate of movies we have in store. Next up is Black Widow, which hits theaters May 7."
Will Black Widow Get a Simultaneous Disney Plus Release?
This is the second time in as many months that Chapek has ruled on Black Widow's theatrical release. In February, Chapek told (h/t Deadline) that the movie was still in the works for a theatrical release. However, during the company's first-quarter financial results call, Chapek hinted that Black Widow could also land on Disney Plus if the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the reopening of theaters around the world. He said: "We will be watching to see the reopening of theaters and consumer sentiment in terms of going back to the theater." Disney has been adamant that the next Marvel movie will hit theaters, and delaying its release 12 months ago was proof of that. The film was originally scheduled to open on May 1, 2020, but was pushed back a year in light of Covid-19. Back in January, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige expressed hope for a theatrical release (h/t Deadline), but no one has officially ruled out a Disney Plus release. Recent Disney movies including Soul, Mulan, and Raya and the Last Dragon have all been released on Disney Plus, but the trio have also received theatrical releases in countries where the streamer isn't currently available. There's a case for Black Widow to do the same, especially if Disney and Marvel want as many people as possible to see the movie. If moviegoers are reluctant to return to theaters any time soon, getting a simultaneous release, while potentially leading to a Disney Plus Premier Access release, may be the way to go. However, it seems that Disney and Marvel are eager to continue their tradition of bringing MCU movies only to the big screen. If that's the route they're taking, we may see Black Widow's release window tweaked yet again.