Black Widow (film)/Trivia

A list of trivia related to Black Widow.
==References to Marvel Comics==
*The film marks the MCU debuts of Yelena Belova, Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian, Melina Vostokoff/Iron Maiden, Rick Mason and Taskmaster.
*During their conversation in Melina's house, Yelena mistakenly refers to Alexei as the "Crimson Dynamo", the name of an Iron Man supervillain in the comics.
==References to the Marvel Cinematic Universe==
*On November 8, 2020, Scarlett confirmed that the film would finally address what happened in Budapest, which was first teased back in 2012’s The Avengers in a conversation that Black Widow and Hawkeye had.Scarlet Johansson Reveals Marvel's Black Widow Will Explore Budapest Story With Hawkeye - The Direct
*On November 9, 2020, David Harbour teased that Natasha and Alexei have been working together on and off since the 1990’s as their bonds have strengthened with each other.Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow: David Harbour Teases Father Figure Role in Marvel Movie - The Direct 
**Harbour also revealed how close his character is with Nat, once rescuing her from the Red Room but later throwing her back into the fire.
*On November 16, 2020, it was mentioned that because the film is set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, Black Widow will find herself without the support of S.H.I.E.L.D. or the Avengers, Black Widow will have to get supplies and vehicles for her mission through O.T. Fagbenle's Rick Mason.
*On November 30, 2020, reports began to circulate that Florence Pugh has reportedly join the cast of the Hawkeye TV series.Marvel's Hawkeye: Florence Pugh Joins Jeremy Renner Disney+ Series - The Direct
*On February 2, 2021, Jac Schaeffer, who serves as the head writer and creator of WandaVision, says it was more of a challenge to write the Black Widow film, which she also was part of the team, than Marvel's first series.Black Widow Was Harder To Write Than WandaVision - Screen Rant
*On February 16, 2021 it was revealed that Chloé Zhao, who is directing and did some writing for the Eternals film, was at one time, in the running for directing the Black Widow film.Chloé Zhao Was In Contention For ‘Black Widow’ Job & Describes Casting Process For ‘Eternals’ - The Playlist
*On March 1, 2021, storyboards for WandaVision, which featured a Black Widow reference were leaked. It specifically referenced Black Widow's death and lack of funeral to honor her at the end of Avengers: Endgame.WandaVision: Leaked Storyboards Reveal Black Widow Reference - The Direct
*On April 28, 2021, a new featurette released by Marvel in celebration of National Superhero Day for the Black Widow film was released on this day with Scarlett Johansson asking the audience how much they know about her Black Widow character.Scarlett Johansson Invites You to Celebrate National Superhero Day With ‘Black Widow’ - Slash Film
*On May 13, 2021, it was revealed that a current release in theaters remains unclear and would likely be impacted one way or the other by how films like Black Widow and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings do.Disney Suggests Theatrical Future to Be Determined by ‘Black Widow’ and ‘Shang-Chi’ Box Office Results - Indie Wire
*On June 16, 2021, Scarlett mention in an interview that she had been waiting for Marvel boss Kevin Feige to green-light a solo film since The Avengers rocked the box office in 2012. However, she further revealed that she was glad the film didn't come into fruition until recently, as it would have been a very different movie that the final version audiences will see on July 9, 2021.Scarlett Johansson says she spent “about 10 years just waiting” for the ‘Black Widow’ movie - Connect FM
**Also on this day, Scarlett also mentioned how proud she felt that her character of Black Widow has evolved from being hyper sexualized all the way back in Iron Man 2, to a more evolved and fully developed Natasha in her standalone film.Scarlett Johansson: Black Widow Was ‘Sexualized’ and Treated ‘Like a Piece of Ass’ at First - Indie WireScarlett Johansson criticizes Black Widow's 'hyper-sexualisation' in Iron Man 2 - BBC
*On June 15, 2021, a promotional video for Yelena Belova was released by Marvel Studios.There’s No Stopping Florence Pugh’s Yelena in Marvel Studios’ Black Widow - Marvel.com
*On June 19, 2021, Kevin Feige said that "exploring the past, present, and future of the MCU is certainly in the cards" during a recent press conference. Which hints at Black Widow film not be the only prequel the MCU may have in store for audiences.‘Black Widow’ Might Not Be the MCU’s Only Prequel, According to Kevin Feige - Indie Wire
*On July 3, 2021, Shortland hinted that the Black Widow film franchise could continue with a sequel revolving around a different character.‘Black Widow’ Director Cate Shortland Teases Sequel - The DisInsider
*On July 7, 2021, it was announced that Disney’s Marvel Studios films and MCU series won’t be putting in an appearance during the virtual edition of Comic-Con @ Home.Disney’s Marvel Studios & Warner Bros DC Films To Skip San Diego Comic-Con@Home - Deadline
*On July 9, 2021, the post-credits scene has Yelena Belova being approached by Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine who previously appeared last in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Moreover, it appears that Yelena has been carrying out missions for the Contessa, with her latest target being none other than Hawkeye. Which in turn sets up Florence Pugh's confirmed appearance on the Hawkeye TV series.Black Widow Post Credits Scene and Ending Explained - IGN
*On October 6, 2021, it was revealed that while Marvel’s What If...? season 1 has just concluded, the creative team behind What If…? teased that for the second season, Head writer A.C. Bradley said that “Going into the second season, we're sticking with anthology form, and it's going to be all-new stories, lots of fun, new heroes, and pulling more from Phase Four than we were obviously able to this season. Hopefully, we'll see hints of the Eternals and Shang-Chi and the Black Widow film characters too.What If...? Season 2 Will Feature Shang-Chi and Eternals - IGN
==Unorganized Trivia==
*Black Widow is the third film to be set as a prequel (the first being Captain America: The First Avenger and the second Captain Marvel).
*This is the first female-led solo film to open a Phase (4) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
*This is the first solo film centered around a character who is deceased in the current MCU timeline.
*This is the second female led superhero film from Marvel Cinematic Universe after Captain Marvel. 
*The film was released on July 9, 2021, making the longest gap between two films since The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2, as Spider-Man: Far From Home was released on July 2, 2019, making a gap of over 24 months between Black Widow and Far From Home.
**It also marks the longest gap between the last film of an MCU phase and the first film in another phase.
*On October 7, 2020, it was revealed that Disney and McDonald’s have teamed up to offer a new collection of Marvel Studio toys as part of the McDonald Happy Meals.The line up will feature the likes of Falcon, Winter Soldier, Wanda Maximoff, Vision, Groot, Hulkbuster, Wasp, Hulk and the Black Widow herself.MCDONALD’S RELEASE “WANDAVISION” & “THE FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER” HAPPY MEAL TOYS - What's On Disney+ 
**This merchandise of toys is also tied to promotion for WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, two Disney+ shows that premiered in January and March 2021, respectively.
*On October 18, 2020, Dan Loeb, the hedge fund manager for Third Point, suggested having high-profile releases on Disney+ instead.‘Black Widow’ might arrive on streaming site instead, Disney investor suggests - Micky News
**His argument laid in Disney+ needing to attract more subscribers with more content, otherwise they would always be in Netflix's shadow.
**Loeb placed a $1 billion stake in the company. Thus, he believes that the only way to keep the story going is to release Black Widow on the streaming site instead.
*On November 5, 2020, several new images from the recently released book, Marvel's Black Widow: The Official Movie Special appeared online and gave a glimpse actor O-T Fagbenle's somewhat mysterious character Rick Mason. New Black Widow Photos Reveal O.T. Fagbenle as Natasha's Former S.H.I.E.L.D. Colleague - MovieWeb 
**This was further expanded when O-T Fagbenle himself said on Black Widow: The Official Movie Special Book that "Mason is a finder for people who aren't so affiliated with armies, like people who are part of the underworld. He can find anything you need as well. He's had a relationship doing that work for the Black Widow, and they have a bit of a vibe going on. There's a sense that there's more to their relationship than it being purely work-related, so that's always in the mix".Black Widow Star Finally Offers Details On Mysterious Character - Cinemablend
*On November 9, 2020, Epic Games teased that the next Marvel skin that would be available for free in the subsequent Marvel Knockout Series cup would be the Snowsuit Black Widow skin.New Black Widow Snowsuit Is The Next Marvel Fortnite Skin (winter) - Fortnite Insider
*On November 16,2020, Ray Winstone shared some insight into the man in charge of the Red Room as well as his ties to David Harbour's Red Guardian. BLACK WIDOW Star Ray Winstone Reveals New Details About Dreykov And His Ties To Red Guardian - Comicbookmovie
**Winstone started off by saying in the Black Widow: The Official Movie Special Bookthat Dreykov is "a guy who came out of old Russia after the breakdown of communism. He really wanted to change something and wanted to protect his nation."
**He elaborated further by saying how he thinks that Dreykov likely "was a man who started off with great intentions, but like most great men who are put into a situation, the greed and the power takes over. The Black Widow program is his. The Widows are part of his team. They're his ninjas."
**As for what connection he has with Russia's version of Captain America, Winstone explains that "The Red Guardian was created as a Captain America, but a Russian version. He's a big powerful dude, who certainly started off believing in Russia. So, if America is making a bomb, then Russia has got to make a bigger bomb. Well, you have Captain America, who is s quite a good-looking guy. And he has got all the gear."
*On December 15,2020, news began to circulate that Marvel Studios is beginning to explore new talent deals to provide flexibility in case the pandemic or other factors lead the studio to bypass theaters and take the films straight to Disney+. This would mean that under the new contract language, key above-the-line talent like actors, writers, directors and producers will receive adjusted compensation depending on whether the film opens in theaters or debuts on the Disney+ streaming service.Marvel Is Exploring New Talent Deals in Case Films End Up Going to Disney+ - The Wrap
*On December 23, 2020 it was revealed through a release on Weibo, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced that a Marvel-themed musical that would premiere on Bilibili (a Chinese video-sharing website) on December 31,2020 to celebrate the new year and what the MCU has in store for Phase 4.Marvel Announces MCU-Themed Musical Performance For New Year's Eve - The Direct
*On December 27,2021, Patty Jenkins who has directed Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984 for the DCEU respectively, revealed via social media that she'd relish the chance to helm more superhero movies in the coming years. When asked which franchise she'd choose if she had the choice, Patty said on Twitter: "Thank you for the question. Probably Superman, Spiderman or Black Widow! So much potential with all of them..."Patty Jenkins wants to direct a Black Widow movie - Tulsaworld
*On January 3, 2021, Milla Jovovich gushed about her daughter, who was cast as a young Natasha, and made everyone cry on set while filming Black Widow. Jovovich went onto say that, "We call her Baby Widow. She's such a fan of the Marvel movies and you know, Ever is just such an incredible talent. She's just a real natural and it was so wonderful to watch her on set...I mean, literally, she had everybody crying during one of her scenes! She's amazing. I think people are going to be really, really impressed when they see the movie next year."Black Widow: Milla Jovovich’s Daughter Made Everyone Cry As “Baby Widow” - Screen Rant
*On January 18, 2021, Kevin Feige would go on to acknowledge the unexpected similarities between The Blip and the COVID-19 pandemic, before reiterating that he wants any future references to Thanos' attack to "have more meaning behind it". As a result, Phase Four, would instead be focused on setting up new stories rather than looking back to past events.Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige Explains Why "The Blip" Won't Become The Focal Point Of Phase 4 - Comicbook Movie
*On February 24, 2021, Disney President of Marketing Asad Ayaz discussed the promotional plan for Black Widow after the film's prolonged delay. When it was pointed out that Disney hasn't restarted the promotion for the movie ever since the shift in schedule, Ayaz shared that the last thing that they want to do in this situation is to overmarket the marketing campaign for the MCU prequel. However, Ayaz did reveal that his team will be introducing original materials when the marketing for Black Widow restarts as it gears up for its theatrical debut in May 2021. It was also unveiled that Disney will be taking a fresh approach in terms of selling the movie to viewers. Black Widow: Disney Promises New Footage For Extra Marketing of Scarlett Johansson Film - The Direct
*On February 25, 2021, Tom Holland revealed that Marvel still hasn't let him see the Black Widow film and it isn't for a lack of trying on his part. He mentioned how he has asked to view the film, bothering Marvel in recent weeks in the hopes they'll set up a screening. But Marvel has yet to do so and Holland finishes by calling out to Marvel in the hopes that, if they're listening, they'll finally let him see the film.Marvel Hasn't Allowed Tom Holland To See Black Widow Yet - Screen Rant
*On February 26, 2021, makeup artist Deborah La Mia Denaver shared a behind-the-scenes look of the actress in the midst of an action sequence.Black Widow's Scarlett Johansson gets back in action with new photo - EW
*On March 1, 2021, in a new post from the Hasbro Pulse Facebook page confirmed two new Marvel Legends action figures going into production. These figures are for David Harbour's Red Guardian and Rachel Weisz's Melina Vostokoff from Marvel Studios' Black Widow.Black Widow Merch Reveals David Harbour's Red Guardian Has Own In-Universe Action Figure - The Direct
*On March 5, 2021, Black Widow makeup artist Deborah Lamia Denaver posted a new photo of Scarlet Johansson behind the scenes of the standalone film on her Instagram page. In it, Johansson seems to be getting touch-ups in between takes, fully decked out in the new black suit she will don.Black Widow: Scarlett Johansson Sports Her New MCU Suit In Behind-the-Scenes Image - The Direct
*On March 9, 2021, Florence Pugh released two behind the scenes stills of her with Scarlett in their costumes for the Black Widow film.Florence Pugh Gives Fans BTS Images Of ‘Black Widow’ With Scarlett Johansson - The Things
**Also on this day, it was reported at Disney’s annual shareholder meeting by CEO Bob Chapek continued to underscore that the release date for Marvel’s long-awaited feature Black Widow is May 7 will stick and that will be seen in theaters. Chapek made the same confirmation back on Feb. 11 during the studio’s fiscal Q1 earnings call.‘Black Widow’: Disney Boss Bob Chapek, Once Again, Confirms That Pic’s Current Summer Release Date Remains Unchanged - Deadline
*On March 13, 2021 that Marvel Studios Assembled, will also be used that this documentary type series will be utilized for a behind-the-scenes look at Marvel Studios' first film of Phase 4, Black Widow, specifically mentioning the film's star Scarlett Johansson.Disney Confirms Scarlett Johannson's Black Widow Movie To Get Documentary Special - The Direct
*On March 14, 2021, some never before seen behind the scene images for the film were revealed via Twitter.[https://twitter.com/ImAFilmEditor/status/1371219688865243148/ Here are some never before seen stills & ‘BTS’ images from “
@TheBlackWidow” - Twitter]
*On March 19,2021, several Black Widow-themed designs have been featured on boards around the Avengers Campus section of Disneyland's California Adventure.One features the logo of the upcoming movie on top of a metallic background, while another reads "Red Guardian" and features the character's symbol.Black Widow: Disneyland Marketing Hints at Coming Release of Scarlett Johansson Film - The Direct
*On March 23, 2021, it was revealed that because the end of the UK lockdown is currently scheduled to allow cinemas to reopen on May 17, some studio releases in May and June will now premiere over the summer. One such example was the announcement that Black Widow will move back to July and will be available simultaneously in cinemas and on Disney PlusUK film release dates 2021: Black Widow, Bond, Fast & Furious 9, Top Gun - Express.co.UK
*On April 3,2021, it began to be reported that allegedly,Cinema owners oppose Walt Disney studio’s decision to release Marvel films at the movies and on the streaming service simultaneously.Disney’s ‘Black Widow’ Sets Stage for Possible Clash With Theaters - The Walt Street Journal
*On April 5, 2021, it was revealed that the latest trailer for the film scored more than 70 million viewers in its first 24 hours, surpassing the second trailer by a substantial margin, of more than 13 million views. In addition, the previous spot for the superhero pic earned 57 million views in its first day.'Black Widow' Trailer Spins Strong Web With 70M Views - Hollywood Reporter
*On April 7, 2021, it was announced the Black Widow would be released simultaneously in Australian theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on July 9th, 2021 (just like in the USA).Black Widow Australian release details revealed: When and where you can watch Marvel’s next film - The AU Review
*On April 8, 2021, The film is rated PG-13 "for intense sequences of violence/action, some language and thematic material".Black Widow: Movie Rating Teases Violence & Language - The Direct
*As of April 10, 2021, Disney+ has officially added the Premier Access preview page for the Black Widow film to its service in anticipation of its release on July 9, 2021.Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow Movie Now Has Its Own Disney+ Page For Premier Access - The Direct
*On April 11, 2021, new merchandise in the form of a new Loungefly Black Widow backpack and two Taskmaster T-shirts have arrived at Disneyland Resort in advance of the film's premiere.PHOTOS: NEW "Black Widow" Loungefly Backpack and Taskmaster T-Shirts Drop Into Disneyland Resort - WDW News Today - wdwnt
*On April 25, 2021, it was revealed that the film is officially rated PG-13.Why Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow Is Rated PG-13 - Cinemablend
*On April 29, 2021, O-T Fagbenle praised his co-star, Florence Pugh's performance in the film.Black Widow Star Praises Florence Pugh's Debut MCU Performance - Screen Rant
*On April 30, 2021, The official Instagram page for the film posted a video promoting Marvel Studios' Black Widow featuring Rachel Weisz who is playing the character of Melina Vostokoff. The video includes Russian subtitles, which presumably means this is from one of Marvel's social media accounts promoting the film in Russia.Marvel Releases New Black Widow Promo Video Featuring Rachel Weisz - The Direct
*On May 3, 2021, Marvel debuted new footage from Black Widow teasing Natasha Romanoff's unfinished business in her solo film.New Black Widow Footage Teases Natasha Romanoff's Unfinished Business - Screen RantMarvel's Black Widow: New Scenes With Scarlett Johansson & David Harbour Released - The Direct
*On May 4, 2021, a new promotional image featuring Taskmaster and Black Widow was released to the public.Black Widow Faces Off With Taskmaster In New Marvel Movie Image - Screen Rant
*On May 13, 2021, it was revealed that in spite of the many delays in the film, Black Widow’s director Cate Shortland mentioned how it’s been more than a year since the movie was fully finished, and that it has remained untouched since.'Black Widow' Has Been Finished for Over a Year, Says Director Cate Shortland - Collider 
*On May 24, 2021, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the company made “the right call” by planning to release Black Widow in theaters the summer of 2021 at the same time it hits Disney+ as a Premier Access title.Disney CEO Bob Chapek Talks ‘Black Widow’ Release Strategy, State Of Windows: “We’re Really Celebrating That Flexibility” - Deadline
*On May 28, 2021 in an interview with Total Film Scarlett Johansson herself said in this interview that "Our goal was for [fans] to feel satisfied with this story; that they could maybe have some resolution, I think, with this character's death, in a way. It felt like people wanted that."Scarlett Johansson Eager For Black Widow's Avengers: Endgame Death To Get Resolution Among Fans - The Direct
**Also on this day O.T. Fagbenle hinted that his character in 'Black Widow' is similar to that of Q in the 'James Bond' films.O.T. Fagbenle hints at Black Widow Bond connections - Celebretainment
*On June 7, 2021, a promotional poster for IMAX theater was revealed, along with the information that for those that choosing to see the film in IMAX theaters, IMAX audiences will get to see over 20 minutes of footage in the expanded aspect ratio that the company is known for.‘Black Widow’ IMAX Screenings Will Feature 22 Minutes of Larger Aspect Ratio Footage
*As of June 11, 2021, pre-sale tickets became available on Fandango for the Black Widow film.Finally! After pandemic delays, tickets for ‘Black Widow’ now on sale - Connect Radio
**Also on this day,Taskmaster trended online after the Black Widow villain got their own emoji on Twitter.Black Widow Villain Taskmaster Trends Online After Getting Emoji - Comicbook.com
*On June 12, 2021, it was revealed that Marvel’s Black Widow would become available to all Disney+ subscribers on October 6, 2021. This came three months after its theatrical release, and it's available on Disney+ starting July 9, 2021 with Premiere Access for those who pay the $29.99 price tag.Marvel’s “Black Widow” to Become Available to All Disney+ Subscribers in October - Laughing Palace
*On June 25, 2021, Scarlett Johansson, whose husband is Saturday Night Live Weekend Update coanchor Colin Jost, only wanted limited details about her days filming Marvel's Black Widow when she came home. She further revealed that he refused to run lines with her, cause he didn't want to spoil himself with details from the script.Scarlett Johansson says Colin Jost required spoiler alerts while reading Black Widow lines with her - EW
*On June 28, 2021, Scarlett mentioned how she is proud that her character is going out on a high note with her standalone film. However, she admits it is bittersweet because she will miss working with her Marvel family, and getting to see them every 18 months to two years.Scarlett Johansson says leaving Black Widow behind feels 'bittersweet' - EW
*On July 7,2021 analysts revealed that they expected the film to make approximately $140 million at the box office for the July 7th weekend.‘Black Widow’ To Weave $140M Weekend Around The World As Theatrical & Disney+ Day & Date Model Further Rattles Industry - Deadline
*On July 8, 2021, it was revealed that Eric Pearson, the Black Widow screenwriter wrote the first draft of the movie in just 11 days.July 8th, 2021 Tweet - Marvel Facts & News
*On July 9, 2021, it was revealed that Disney/Marvel’s Black Widow kicked off its previews at 5PM on Friday earning a huge $13.2 Million at the box office, easily the best preview night to date during the pandemic besting Universal’s F9 ($7.1M) and Paramount’s A Quiet Place Part II ($4.8M). Furthermore, it was revealed that the film has received an 81% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Lastly, it was also mentioned that the Black Widow film also opened in a further 30 material markets, including Germany, Russia, Australia, Japan, Korea, Brazil and Mexico, taking its full total to 41 material markets to date, with the first two days racking up an estimated $22.4M to date.‘Black Widow’ Brings The Box Office Back Alive With Record Pandemic $13.2M Thursday Night - Deadline
*On July 9 Scarlett Johansson said in an interview that the film had many iterations, and that in one of them Yelena and Natasha were adversaries and Yelena tried to dethrone her, and then there was another version that was "really existential and kind of weird", but neither she nor Kevin Feige liked them and thought it wouldn't work.Black Widow: Scarlett Johansson Reveals Alternate Version of the Movie That Just Didn’t Work
*On July 11, 2021, it was revealed that over the past weekend, the premiere of Marvel's Black Widow was the standout winner, raking in over $80 million from theater ticket sales alone. So far, its weekend debut has blown other hits like Godzilla vs Kong, Mortal Kombat, and even powerhouse action franchises like F9 out of the water.'Black Widow' Pulls in $80 Million for Biggest Box Office Weekend in Over a Year - Collider
*On July 12, 2021 Olga Kurylenko confirmed that there is so much background story of Taskmaster, but there was no time to show it all. She also said that it's possible to return on future films, and she would like it. She also said that her mother didn't even know that she was in the movie, and she still haven't watch it.Exclusive: Olga Kurylenko Opens Up About Her Secret Black Widow Role
*Rumors surfaced long ago about an Iron Man cameo in the movie, however Eric Pearson revealed that the only time he saw his name anywhere was in an old version of the script as a "flag-planted reminder" about the last scene of Natasha and Tony on Captain America: Civil War.Black Widow Writer Reveals Robert Downey Jr. Cameo In Early Draft
*Originally, in the final scenes, Natasha Romanoff would be arrested by Secretary Ross and six agents would take her and put into the SUV. The scene was cut but one shot is visible on trailers.Black Widow Actor Reveals Deleted Ending Where Natasha Gets Arrested
*Michelle Lee said that her character Oksana, had a whole backstory, but that she could only reflect it in her performance.Black Widow: Michelle Lee on Her Character's Secret Backstory & Why She Loves Florence Pugh
*Black Widow marked the final performance of William Hurt before his death in March 2022 although which was originally filmed in 2014 was released after this film. This was his final appearance as Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
==References==
Category:Black Widow (film)
Category:Trivia