Well. It was bound to happen sooner or later.
Nearly a year after its originally scheduled release, Walt Disney has delayed Black Widow yet again thanks to, what else, the coronavirus. Originally slated for May 2020, Black Widow had to get delayed three times to May 2021 before Walt Disney delayed it once again to July.
However, this final delay comes with one major caveat: Black Widow will be released both in theaters and on Disney + the same day.
And Black Widow isn’t the only one getting this treatment: the 101 Dalmatians prequel Cruella starring Emma Stone is also going to get a dual release both in theaters and on Disney +. Why it’s getting an earlier release date than Black Widow I have no idea, especially since Black Widow is coming out a full year after it was originally scheduled and Cruella is more or less releasing when it was supposed to. You mean to tell me you had a whole year to work on this bloody film and you’re still not done with the visual effects? Really???
Public reception has been mixed to Disney announcing that after a year full of delays, Black Widow is finally streaming with premier access on Disney +. Some fans are happy to see Disney finally adjust to the times we’re living in and pivot to streaming, while others are annoyed that the ticket price basically gouges their wallet of $30.
I myself am indifferent to it. While personally I’m not the biggest fan of streaming, I do understand the unique challenges studios like Disney are facing and the adjustments they need to make in order to survive in this tumultuous market. I mean it’s been over a year for crying out loud. At this point it’s barely even worth releasing a Black Widow movie. But Natasha has a dedicated fan base and enough loyalty to warrant her own solo movie, even if it is seven years overdue. I’m just happy we’re finally going to be able to see the Black Widow movie, even if the $30 price tag is outrageous. I’m probably just going to take my chances and go watch it in theaters, so if I end up getting the coronavirus, you’ll have Natasha to thank for that.
What do you guys think? Are you excited that Black Widow is finally going to be released, or do you think Disney should have delayed it even longer? Comment below and let me know.
– David Dunn
SOURCES: Marvel, Variety
DAVID DUNN 