A Black Widow standalone movie, long desired by fans but seemingly not a high priority for Marvel Entertainment, might finally be gaining momentum. According to a report from Variety, Marvel Studios has signed on screenwriter Jac Schaeffer (TiMER, Nasty Women) to bring Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) her own long-awaited solo adventure.
Variety makes sure to add caveats that Marvel has offered neither comment nor confirmation that a Black Widow movie is even happening. While other outlets have picked up the story, no one has any extra information to add. Schaeffer isn’t on social media, so no word (yet) from her.
But if this were to happen, she would be an excellent choice. Her 2009 debut TiMER, which she wrote and directed, is a charming speculative love story that wouldn’t be out of place in a season of Black Mirror (though leaning toward the “San Junipero” end of the spectrum). Since then, her scripts for The Shower (about aliens invading during a baby shower) and Nasty Women (an all-female remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) have caught the attention of Anne Hathaway, who has signed on to star in both. Schaeffer’s affinity for writing complex, prickly, vulnerable women could make for an excellent movie.
Funny that the rumor/unconfirmed news lands this week, seeing as a new trailer for Jennifer Lawrence’s Red Sparrow was just released. Maybe whoever Variety’s source was saw another studio making what basically looks like a Black Widow origin story. Either way, hopefully Marvel will comment on the speculation sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, Marvel Studios’ first female superhero standalone movie, Captain Marvel, will come to theaters March 8, 2019.
