Thishybrid strategyis something that Disney has been experimenting with as the pandemic has begun to recede. While the box office is recovering, the studio is hoping to hedge its bets. Movies likeMulan, Raya and the Last DragonandCruellahave all debuted in theaters as well as on Disney+ Premier Access on the same day. Hard numbers have not been revealed but it seems to be going well. Cruella already has a sequel in development, indicating that quite a few people paid the extra $30 to watch Emma Stone as the iconic Disney villain at home. To what degree this works to the benefit ofBlack Widowremains to be seen.
TheMCU, since its inception in 2008, has grossed more than $22 billion at the global box office.Avengers: Endgame, up until very recently, was the highest-grossing movie in history. Given the character’s long-standing popularity,Black Widowseemed like a near-lock to earn $1 billion or more before 2020 came in and upended the movie business. While the most recent release date delay seemingly helped the movie’s chances at the box office, it’s still unclear if it being available on Disney+ as well will help or hurt the situation. But this is only temporary. It has already been confirmed thatShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsandEternalswill debut exclusively in theaters first.
Starring alongside Scarlett Johansson will be David Harbour (Stranger Things), Florence Pugh (Midsommar), O-T Fagbenle (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Rachel Weisz (The Favourite). Cate Shortland (Berlin Syndrome) directed the movie. While many plot details have been kept under wraps, it will be a prequel taking place between the events ofCaptain America: Civil WarandAvengers: Infinity War.Taskmasteris also set as the main villain.Black Widowarrives on July 9. Those interested in watching it at home can pre-order the movie now through theDisney+ streaming app.
