“Black Widow” is a rare film for Marvel Studios. Unlike other features that have debuted over the past decade-plus, “Black Widow” is a film that is envisioned as a one-off story, mainly because the film’s star, Scarlett Johansson, has said she’s leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe since her character was killed in “Avengers: Endgame.” So, going into the feature, fans will likely understand why there’s not talk about a “Black Widow 2.” Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
According to a new interview with Radio Times, “Black Widow” director, Cate Shortland, talked about the possibility of a sequel, and she seems to think it’s definitely a possibility. Of course, that would require someone other than Johansson in the lead role.
“I think following a different character, yes,” Shortland said about a sequel. “I think Scarlett is really happy that she’s leaving the party, you know, and she’s not the last to leave. She decided she wanted to go. And I don’t think she would want to come back at the moment.”
As for whether or not Shortland would be interested in returning to the MCU for a new director gig, it appears that’s not even a question.
“I mean, all the beautiful fights and the spectacle, and I think just creating something really fun and joyous is pretty addictive,” she explained. “So yeah, I would do it again. Yes.”
While the film has yet to be formally released in theaters, most people assume (and the reviews seem to point to this even more) “Black Widow” supporting cast member, Florence Pugh, will likely take over the role of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward. Does that mean a sequel to this film is a guarantee? Obviously not. It’s taken more than a decade to give the character her own story, so we could just see Pugh show up as a supporting player in future MCU features. But if “Black Widow” is a massive success (and when has a Marvel Studios film not been a big success?), there’s definitely the option for more stories in that super-spy universe in the future.
“Black Widow” arrives in theaters and Disney+ Premier Access (for an additional $30) on July 9.
