A lot can happen in 7 weeks. We’re just over half way through March and the release date of Black Widow draws ever closer. Earlier this week we were treated to some BTS images, but we’re still yet to see a new trailer or any artwork to signify an intention to stick to the May 7th release date. So far Disney have remained adamant that they want this Movie to release in cinemas, which seems perfectly reasonable for a film of its scale. But in a recent interview with Bloomberg Television, Disney CEO Bob Chapek seemed to backpedal a little on previous comments.
“Our situation and our conditions change. Just a few weeks ago, theatres in New York and Los Angeles weren’t even open. Now, all of a sudden, they’re open, so we’re waiting to see how prospective theatre goers respond to these reopenings. We’re going to remain flexible. We’ll make the call probably at the last minute in terms of how these films come to market, whether it’s Black Widow or any other title.”
Chapek seems to be more open to the possibility of a Disney+ release than he was just a few weeks ago. The theatrical window still seems like the first choice but his statement hints that the ever changing market could redefine their current plans.
“We think it’s important for building our franchises, At the same time, we don’t think its’ the only way to do it…. We’ll see what happens over the next couple of months. So much is changing, it’s such a dynamic environment, It’s hard to predict what’s going to happen with consumer behaviour in the next month as it comes to re-emerge back into the world of normal. We’ll be watching carefully and make the call when we have to.
From Chapek’s comments it certainly looks as though a Disney+ release for Black Widow will at least be considered. As well as the fact that it has been delayed for almost a year there is also the rest of the Marvel Studios slate to take into consideration. Shang-Chi and the Legends of the The Ten Rings releases in July followed by Eternals in November. With potentially only 7 weeks to go, a “last minute” decision will have to be made soon so that the film can be advertised ahead of that May release date.