Disney and Marvel Studios have delivered the first trailer for Black Widow, the prequel film following Scarlett Johansson‘s Natasha Romanoff. Cate Shortland (Berlin Syndrome) is directing from a script written by Ned Benson (The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby) and Jac Schaefer (The Hustle).
Joining Johansson are Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, and O-T Fagbenle, and though it’s not explicitly stated, it’s previously been revealed that the film is set around the time of Captain America: Civil War. So while this is a prequel, it’s not taking us all the way back to Natasha’s origins like most.
The trailer above is your typical two-minute Marvel clip, full of action and comic relief. This looks to have its own distinct voice, although it’s become increasingly difficult to tell whether this is a good one or bad one from the previews.
Johansson’s chemistry with Pugh looks good though, and it’s possible the studio is setting her up to be Johansson’s replacement (Marvel did confirm Pugh would be playing Yelena Belova, a character who eventually adopts the Black Widow title in the comics).
The one lingering feeling is that this film is way overdue and probably should have been made 3 or 4 years ago. Following the events of Endgame, it feels a little tacked on and obligatory. It likely would have been an even bigger deal if released during the Infinity Saga. Still, Black Widow deserves her own movie and is finally getting it. Hopefully this gives the character and Johansson the exit they deserve.
Black Widow finally arrives in cinemas on May 1, 2020.
#Peace.Love.BlackWidow
