Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Black Widow

  • How ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ Opened Darker Avenues for MCU’s Legacy Characters

    How ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ Opened Darker Avenues for MCU’s Legacy Characters

    The following article will include spoilers for the latest episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Only continue at your own risk if you haven’t seen it yet.

     

    Marvel Studios has made an essential move with the latest episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier. At one point, it was going to be the first Disney+ show based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe to release. As fate wanted it, WandaVision took over that position and gave us a very experimental series exploring grief through unconventional ways. It opened up the question of what Sam and Bucky’s story might add to expand the ever-expanding world. The latest episode may have set a new potential within the universe that could echo throughout other shows and films. We were introduced to the first legacy character to go off the deep end.

     

    The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: Why John Walker's Dark Turn Was Inevitable - IGN

     

    The MCU is no stranger to the concept of legacy characters. Hank Pym passed on the mantle of Ant-Man to Scott Lang to ensure his research wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands. Lang was a thief, but he was a good person at heart. The entire point of Spider-Man: Far From Home was for Spider-Man to escape the legacy that the world was trying to force upon him. In a way, he was his protégé. It made sense that he could take on the mantle, but he was Spider-Man, not Iron Man. Avengers: Endgame was the first official passing of a torch when Steve gave Sam his shield.

    Yet, just like Peter, Sam didn’t want the legacy. His unwillingness led to the mantle landing in the hands of John Walker. In reality, it landed in the hands of the government. It was a new legacy getting continued without any involvement of the old. John Walker didn’t know or interact with Steve. There is a reason he wanted Sam to join his side. He’s not carrying the legacy of the person. In his hands is only the symbol. They don’t have much say in their carrier. They can easily become a means to an end. Yet, they also have weight. Without the guidance of those that came before, it can easily pull one down. It was very evident that the title of Captain America did that.

     

    BLACK WIDOW Director Confirms the Film Will "Hand The Baton" to Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova — GeekTyrant

     

    The echoes of this misdeed will besmirch the shield and what it stands for. Yet, it also sets a precedent that the heroes’ iconic titles aren’t safe. Kate Bishop’s upcoming role in Hawkeye does not exclude the possibility of her facing some demons along the way. It won’t be as easy as Scott stealing the suit and getting welcomed to take on the role long-term. It’ll be a harrowing journey for some. It also opens up the possibility that not every legacy character will carry on the mantle in a positive light. We’ve been theorizing that Black Widow would see Florence Pugh‘s Yelena Belova take on Natasha’s title. Yet, it doesn’t mean she will become an Avenger. She may have a darker road ahead of her than we might expect at first. Her paths might even cross with this newly formed agent of the United States.

  • Disney Plus Launches ‘BLACK WIDOW’ Page Ahead of July 9th Release

    Disney Plus Launches ‘BLACK WIDOW’ Page Ahead of July 9th Release

    The Scarlett Johansson solo Black Widow film has undergone quite the journey in getting to fans. Recently with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still making it hard for Marvel Studios fans to get into theaters, Disney made the decision to make Black Widow available on Disney Plus Premiere Access the same day it will be released in theaters. Today, the Disney Plus page for the film went live, giving us a look at the artwork and a description of the film exactly 3 months ahead of its premiere.

    Natasha Romanoff confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

    As of now, there has been no official word from Disney on how long Black Widow will remain exclusive to D+ before moving to other streaming services. Mulan stayed exclusive for about 3 months, so we could possibly see something similar for Black Widow. For now, we can say, however, that the countdown is on!

  • ‘Black Widow’s May Have Tripled Its Potential Box Office Through the Delay

    ‘Black Widow’s May Have Tripled Its Potential Box Office Through the Delay

    Godzilla vs. Kong may have finally achieved what seemed impossible a few months ago. It garnered more than $300M worldwide in the first two weeks, which seemed to imply the potential of releasing films in theaters and on streaming services simultaneously instead of delaying. Yet, it looks like an early analysis has pointed to Marvel Studios’ choice to delay Black Widow into July may have been a blessing in disguise.

    According to The Numbers, their predictions have moved the film’s Box Office from $45M up to $135M. As Observer points out, it is a far cry from its original 300M+ opening during non-pandemic times, but it might become the largest opening since cinemas closed last year. Currently, 55% of cinemas are only opening with reduced seating. It is uncertain how much that will change by then. Plus, it is mostly focusing on its domestic debut, which also opens up the question of how it’ll expand internationally.

    The interesting aspect is that this potential uptick in Box Office numbers would also take into account that the film will be available through Disney+ Premier Access. This development may also be a clear sign that Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings will be a theatre-only release once it premieres in September. It explains why there was no mention of it during the announcement. We have to keep in mind that anything can happen until it releases, but it is a positive development and is a sign that the delays are slowly coming to an end. Other tentpole releases for 2021 are also seeing better predictions for now. So, let’s be hopeful that we are entering a new age once more.

    Source: The Numbers via Observer

  • REPORT: Olga Kurylenko to Appear in ‘Black Widow’

    REPORT: Olga Kurylenko to Appear in ‘Black Widow’

    Black Widow will finally release in July. After all this time, we are so close to actually watching the film either in theaters or on Disney+. Of course, there is always the fear that the longer we wait, the more information hits the web. Well, it looks like that has happened as The Direct has exclusively learned that Quantum of Solace‘s Olga Kurylenko will have a role in the first film of Marvel Studios’ Phase 4. The Ukrainian actress is a perfect choice for the Russian-focused story with her history and fluency in Russian. So, there is a good chance she is playing one of the many newly introduced assassins of the Red Room that we saw in the trailers.

    Kurylenko has also appeared in 2013’s Oblivion opposite of Tom Cruise. Her latest projects include The Bay of Silence, The Translators, and Sentinelle. As The Direct points out, there are many angles they can take with her inclusion. She could be involved with a flashback to Romanoff’s upbringing. We could also potentially see her be one of the many trained assassins with them believing she is a prime candidate for the role of Red Widow.

    The film has been ready for over a year. We are still not certain who is behind Taskmaster’s mask. It is refreshing to know that there are still many surprises heading our way once it releases in July. Its release date may also finalize the future slate, as we hopefully get trailers that showcase upcoming projects like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Eternals. The year isn’t over yet and there is a lot more Marvel heading our way in the near future.

    Source: The Direct

  • Taking a Closer Look at Disney+’s Pixar Premier Access Strategy

    Taking a Closer Look at Disney+’s Pixar Premier Access Strategy

    Disney has entered the streaming market. It has been a resounding success and has already surpassed 100 million subscribers. It saw an impressive boost in subscribers after the release of Pixar’s Soul in December. As such, it had already passed 90 million, and Marvel Studios’ WandaVision was only around the corner. Sadly, it seems that the pandemic has no end in sight. So, Marvel Studios and Disney decided to drop Black Widow through their Premier Access service in July. It joins Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon, which could be purchased for an additional fee of $30 bucks to watch them three months early. The pricing has been questionable at times. It would at least make the films available for those still cautious about visiting cinemas.

     

    Black Widow' Super Bowl Trailer Shows Natasha's Superhero Family - Variety

     

    Now, it is understandable that Disney would want to make their cash back some way. It would seem that the streaming service won’t cover the costs of these massive blockbusters. Yet, Disney has also made some contradictory decision with their properties that makes the Premier Access debacle strange. The entertainment behemoth decided to release Soul for free on the service and is following-suit with Luca. Oddly, both Pixar productions get the same treatment, while Cruella gets the Premiere Access treatment. According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Matthew Belloni, Pixar is feeling it.

    It’s a strange decision that these properties are the only ones getting this type of treatment. There is probably a financial reason for it, but, understandably, Pixar employees aren’t thrilled by this. Soul was an emotionally gripping tale that would’ve left quite the impression in theaters worldwide. Luca would be sure to do the same, but there is no mention of a simultaneous release in theaters. Pixar is, by far, one of the biggest players in the animation market. So, the release of Raya and the Last Dragon but not Luca through Premier Access seems odd without this decision getting clarified by Disney.

    So, why would they decide to do this? Well, it probably is connected to two factors. On the one hand, Soul got released after the first attempt with Mulan seemed to falter. They decided to bite the bullet and hope that it would raise the overall subscription numbers. As we learned, it did manage to do that. Now, they must’ve believed that they can make up the production costs through the increase in subscribers. Yet, if Raya proved that the service could be profitable after all, it seems strange to sideline one of the most recognizable brands in the market.

     

    Watch the first trailer for Pixar's Luca - The Verge

     

    There is probably a reason for this decision, but only Disney can offer the complete picture. As it is now, it seems an odd choice to push the Premier Access brand as a showcase of their most-valued productions. If things “normalize,” we might never see this branding again. It was created as a reactionary option during the pandemic until theaters could open again. Godzilla vs. Kong has shown that some international markets have seen a resurgence in the Box Office, but it will still take some time before we’re talking about what we’ve seen before the pandemic started. Either way, it feels like a disservice to Pixar’s hard work and standing in the industry to not put it on their Premier Access selection. No matter why they took this route, the bigger question remains: what could be the fallout of this business decision? There is a possibility that the demoralized employees are just the first cracks to appear in the relationship between Pixar and Disney moving forward.

    Source: Twitter, The Verge, Digital TV

  • Murphy’s Law: Episode 86

    Murphy’s Law: Episode 86

    It’s a DC-centric episode this week as the Charleses finally review the Snyder Cut and talk the big DC casting announcements. They also get into the new release dates for Black Widow and Shang-Chi and talk about the upcoming Disney Plus series, Echo!

  • ‘Black Widow’ Postponed for a Simultaneous Release on Disney+ And in Theaters

    ‘Black Widow’ Postponed for a Simultaneous Release on Disney+ And in Theaters

    Looks like Marvel Studios’ first Phase 4 MCU film is finally ready to make its debut on Disney+. In the past year, since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Marvel Studios has had to work its way around its Phase 4 slate, delaying its projects for over a year and moving some projects around to officially start Phase 4 earlier this year with WandaVision (2021). Speculation over the film’s release has been thrown around over the last couple of months, with rumors running rampant about the film being shifted solely to Disney+ like Mulan (2020), or a hybrid format like Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). Well now, Black Widow (2021), has been delayed and it is scheduled to be released on July 9th and will debut in a hybrid format via theaters and Disney+ Premier Access. Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution chairman, Kareem Daniel, had the following to say on the announcement:

    Today’s announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences. By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world

    The move comes after Marvel’s incredible success with their Disney+ series, WandaVision (2021) and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (2021), bringing in huge numbers as they have announced that the latter series had the biggest premiere and is also their most watched title worldwide on the platform. The film will debut on their Disney+ Premier Access format for $30, just as its predecessors Mulan (2020) and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), as well as also be available in theaters. Directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige, Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow alongside Florence Pugh as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as Melina.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Black Widow’: Disney CEO Bob Chapek Plays Coy on a Potential Disney+ Release

    ‘Black Widow’: Disney CEO Bob Chapek Plays Coy on a Potential Disney+ Release

    We are already in the second half of March. Black Widow is supposed to release the latest at the beginning of May internationally. There is still no sign of a new poster or trailer that would signify it is still aiming for that release date. It was only a few days ago that some BTS pictures made their way online. It was the first real sign of life from the film that was delayed by an entire year. Disney also stated during their Annual Meeting of Shareholders that they are still sticking to a theatrical release. Well, in a recent interview with Bloomberg Television, Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek seems to have backpedaled a bit on that comment.

    Our situation and our conditions change. Just a few weeks ago, theaters 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 theatergoers 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.

    Now, the interesting thing to note is that Chapek seems to be slowly opening up to a possible Disney+ release. He remains strong on his belief in the theatrical window, but also seems to hint at the dynamic market redefining their current approach.

    We think it’s important for building our franchises. At the same time, we don’t think it’s 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 really hard to predict what’s going to happen with consumer behavior in the next month as it comes to re-emergence back into the world of normal. We’ll be watching the call carefully and make the call when we have to.

    It looks like the chances of a Disney+ release are on the tables to some capacity. Disney cannot drag out the film’s release, as it already has been postponed by an entire year. They also have Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings releasing in July followed by Eternals in November. If they truly make a “last-minute” decision, they will have to start advertising it soon to hit that May release date.

    Source:

  • Murphy’s Law: Episode 85

    Murphy’s Law: Episode 85

    Charles and Charles chat about the not-very-much-news of the past week including the really cool Rob Zombie Munster movie scoop, some DC adaptation production updates, the Black Widow release date and more!

  • New ‘Black Widow’ BTS Images Offer Closer Look at Taskmaster, Red Guardian, And More

    New ‘Black Widow’ BTS Images Offer Closer Look at Taskmaster, Red Guardian, And More

    Disney+ has been our main source of Marvel Studios goodness since everything was delayed for a year. We are still crossing our fingers that Black Widow will release in May, but things are as uncertain as they have always been. Still, we are always excited to see new images from the upcoming project make their way online to build up some hype, as we wait for the official trailer to confirm the upcoming release. The Twitter user @ImAFilmEditor has taken to Twitter to release various new stills from the upcoming film that offer a small glimpse of what is to come.

    https://twitter.com/ImAFilmEditor/status/1371219729625456640

    There are some great images in here, especially those close-up shots from Taskmaster. His design is certainly unique, but it has been growing on us over time. He still has his iconic skull design and you can see the camera that is built into his helmet. That is a great detail for the character, whose main ability is to be able to copy moves from anyone he fights. Even after all this time, we still don’t know 100% who is behind that mask even after it got delayed by a year. There is also a picture of O-T Fagbenle‘s Rick Mason, who has been noticeably absent from the trailers.

    I also love the image of David Harbour holding an action figure of Red Guardian. If this is indeed in the film, it would imply that the Soviet version of Captain America was a public figure. It will be interesting to explore his backstory. It makes you wonder if his legacy might also be discussed in Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which is focused on the legacy that the iconic shield carries. There are also a variety of pictures showing off Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, and, of course, Scarlett Johansson on the film’s set. Here’s hoping we can see them in action this May.

    Source: Twitter