Marvel has released the official teaser trailer for the long awaited Black Widow stand alone film of the same title. In the trailer, we see Natasha going home to meet up with her original assassin family, including Yelena, played by Florence Pugh, with whom she has a well-choreographed and heated exchange after what we imagine is years of absence. The film will also explore Black Widow’s past and build on her backstory.
Another new character introduced in this film is that of Rachel Weisz’s Melina Vostokoff, a highly seasoned spy and assassin. Back in July of this year at Comic Con, Weisz revealed some secrets about her role to EW, saying, “She’s also deeply involved in a scientific experiment which I cannot tell you about because it’s part of the story we can’t talk about!”
Black Widow is the third major movie studio superhero film with a female lead (DC’s Wonder Woman being the first in 2017), and it marks Marvel’s second female led superhero film in just over a year. Captain Marvel took the helm earlier this year, earning over $1.128 billion at the box office.
Black Widow at one point would have been seen as having an advantage over Captain Marvel, since she was first introduced to audiences in Iron Man 2. It’s a shame the studio delayed the production of this film, considering that fans had been clamoring for one early on in the MCU. While interest in female superheroes has not waned, as proven by the billion dollar box office success of Captain Marvel, the interest in seeing this particular actress leading it has.
Highly Controversial Comments Marr Anticipation For Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson has made several controversial statements in recent months that have riled up some Marvel fans who’ve stated they will no longer support the long-awaited film, or the actress due to her usually tone deaf comments. Most recently, she spoke up in support and defense of her friend Woody Allen, who has directed her in three different projects, beginning with 2005’s Match Point.
In September of this year, she spoke to the Hollywood Reporter about Allen. “I love Woody. […] I believe him, and I would work with him anytime.” Clearly, not an arbitrary comment for someone that is otherwise considered an active supporter of women’s issues and was one of the first to donate to the Times Up legal defense fund.
She’s also made comments whitesplaining her stance in being able to portray any person on film, because that is the nature of art and therefore it should not be limited. These comments came after criticism of her taking the role of a Japanese character in the film Ghost in the Shell, as well as her initial acceptance of another role portraying a transgender man in Rub & Tug. She pulled out of the latter role when the criticism came through loud and clear, but still appeared to resent it.
For someone that takes a more progressive stand on social issues and states that she does support diversity and representation, her comments show an entitlement, lack of self-awareness and arrogance that is precisely the subject of those that are actually arguing for representation.
Black Widow is the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with five other films currently on the list. Others include The Eternals to be released later next year, and the next four following in 2021.
Johansson is accompanied by a strong cast, featuring Florence Pugh from Lady Macbeth, Midsommar, and most recently Little Women, as Yelena; Stranger Things’ David Harbour as Alexei/Red Guardian; and Rachel Weisz as Melina. The film is directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige. It’s is slated for release on May 1, 2020.
