The worst kept secret in Marvel Studios history has now been made official: aBlack Widowmovieis coming, and it’ll hit theaters in May 2020. Despite the fact that the film had already started filming this summer, Marvel Studios declined to comment or confirm future plans until after fans had a chance to witness and experience the twists and turns ofAvengers: EndgameandSpider-Man: Far from Homefor themselves.
ScarlettJohanssonleads theBlack Widowmovie as Natasha Romanoff, which is being directed byCate Shortland. The Australian director previously helmed films likeLoreandBerlin Syndromethat caught Marvel and Johansson’s attention, as they met with a number of directors to find the right fit for the long-awaitedBlack Widowmovie.
Joining Johansson in the confirmed cast isDavid Harbour,Florence Pugh,O-T Fagbenle, andRachel Weisz, and Marvel confirmed during its big Hall H panel at Comic-Con that Pugh is in fact playing Yelena Belova, who in the comics takes over the Black Widow mantle from Natasha Romanoff.
TheBlack Widowmovie will delve into Romanoff’s past, watching as she puts the pieces of herself back together to make her a whole person, with Budapest serving as a significant setting. It should come as no surprise to people that the film takes place before the events of the firstThe Avengersmovie. So yes, unfortunately what happened inEndgamestuck.
“I think that’s what drew me to the story, she’s got so many secrets, she’s got so much vulnerability and I think that’s what makes her such a great heroine,” said Shortland on the Hall H stage. “In this film we get to understand her past and put the pieces of herself together and come out a whole person.” Johansson added that the film will allow fans to see a different side of Natasha:
“I get to play Natahsa as a fully realized woman and in all of her many facets, I’m excited for fans to see the flawed side of her, what she perceives to be the flawed side of her, and I’m looking to wipe out some of that red in my ledger so you guys will be seeing more of that.”
Black Widowhits theaters on July 18, 2025. For all of the Marvel news that broke during the studio’s Hall H panel, click on the links below:
