A new report details that Scarlett Johansson teased Black Widow solo film sequels at Elle’s Women in Hollywood event.
New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan reported that Johansson took the stage at the event and referred to Black Widow as a “standalone franchise.”
Buchanan wrote on Twitter, “ScarJo notes that the upcoming Black Widow is the first Marvel movie produced by one of its actors. She also referred to it as a “standalone franchise” which is interested if you expected it to be a one-off based on… you know.”
Related: Rumor: Deadpool to Make First MCU Appearance in Black Widow – Will Parody Tony Stark
ScarJo notes that the upcoming BLACK WIDOW is the first Marvel movie produced by one of its actors. She also referred to it as a “standalone franchise” which is interesting if you expected it to be a one-off based on… you know pic.twitter.com/5UkCAXXnYu
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) October 15, 2019
David Harbour, who plays Red Guardian in the movie, confirmed the film takes place after Captain America: Civil War.
“This movie happens right after Captain America: Civil War, and so those events do factor in.”
Black Widow Movie Footage From San Diego Comic-Con Leaks
Leaked footage from San Diego Comic Con revealed that Yelena Belova, another Black Widow from the comics, will appear in the film.
Actress Florence Pugh will portray Belova.
It appears that the two will eventually go head to head against each other.
#BlackWidow has been filming for 30 days. They showed us footage. Budapest! Natasha vs Yelena! Natasha vs Taskmasterrrrrrrr!! BRUTAL fights, great action, gorgeous shots. #SDCC #MarvelStudios #MarvelSDCC #AgentMLovesSDCC
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 21, 2019
In the comics, Belova first confronts Romanova during a mission to recover a bio-toxin that makes those affected go into an uncontrollable rage for a short period. However, after that short period the individuals die.
It’s originally believed that Yelena is sent by the Russians to recover the bio-toxin. However, it’s later revealed Yelena was the one who requested to hunt down and kill Romanova.
The two face off on a number of occasions with Natasha eventually feigning her own death in order for Yelena to believe she’s dead.
After revealing her tactic and spreading a vaccine for the bio-toxin, Natasha teaches Yelena that she needs to be herself rather than simply be a pawn in the espionage game.
It’s quite possible, Johansson, who is producing Black Widow, might be referring to the upcoming film as the beginning of a franchise because it might see Pugh’s Belova become the next Black Widow and fill her role in the Avengers.
Related: Marvel Studios Boss Kevin Feige Squashes Rumors Black Widow Will Have R-Rating
One Twitter user believes Scarlett Johansson was actually teasing that Black Widow is somehow still alive in the current Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline.
I definitely think the plan is for Florence Pugh to takeover the #BlackWidow role, as Yelena Belova. With a friendship being established. Expect the movie to end with a flashforward. Her reacting to Natasha’s death, somehow officially taking up the mantle. Carrying on the legacy. pic.twitter.com/MHXeCI9FWm
— OptimistPrime99 (@OptimistPrime99) October 16, 2019
However, Twitter user OptimistPrime99 definitely believes Pugh’s Belova will become the next Black Widow.
I definitely think the plan is for Florence Pugh to takeover the #BlackWidow role, as Yelena Belova. With a friendship being established. Expect the movie to end with a flashforward. Her reacting to Natasha’s death, somehow officially taking up the mantle. Carrying on the legacy. pic.twitter.com/MHXeCI9FWm
— OptimistPrime99 (@OptimistPrime99) October 16, 2019
Black Widow will hit theaters on May 1, 2020. The film will star Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh, and Rachel Weisz. The movie will be directed by Cate Shortland.
What do you make of this report? Do you think we will see a Black Widow franchise akin to Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Spider-Man? Do you think she’s referring to Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova taking up the Black Widow mantle or that Scarlett Johansson will continue as Black Widow in the current MCU timeline?