By: John M Jetva

After holding out for a theatrical only debut for Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow standalone MCU film, Disney and Marvel have now opted for a hybrid release in July. The movie which was supposed to hit last summer will now debut on Disney+ the same time it hits theaters on July 9th.

Kareem Daniel, who is the chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment distribution, stated that the 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,”

This means that for a $30 dollar fee, fans can access the film the same day it rolls out in theaters and can watch it for as long as they have a membership.

Disney has held out until now but slow vaccine rollouts and still uncertain cinema futures have prompted them to do a 180. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings which was supposed to hit on that day in July will now vacate that spot snd hopefully will be released theatrical only on September 3rd.

Warner Bros made waves last year when they announced that their entire 2021 release calendar would hit theaters and HBOMAX at the same time.

The film is set after the events of Captain America: Civil War and before Avengers: Infinity War. Black Widow will delve into more of the history of Johansson’ elite assassin who goes on to be a member of The Avengers. 

Also starring are David Harbour (Stranger Things, Hellboy) as Alexei aka The Red Guardian, Florence Pugh (Fighting with My Family) as Yelena Belova, Academy Award-winning actress Rachel Weisz (The Favourite) as Melina and O-T Fagbenle (The Handmaid’s Tale) as Mason.