‘Black Widow’ Casts a Wide Web with $80M Opening Weekend
Delayed for over a year, critics and audiences agree “Black Widow” was worth the wait. Learn more about the latest Marvel entry below.
Veteran avenger Black Widow’s origin story finally hit the box office over the weekend – earning more than $80 million in domestic theaters alone. Not only did it have the largest North American box office opening since the pandemic began more than a year ago, but “Black Widow” is also the only film to cross the $100-million mark in its opening weekend since the start of the pandemic with more than $215 million grossed globally.
And people are not only filling seats, they’re liking what they see. The Marvel film landed an ‘A-‘ grade from CinemaScore, an 80 percent Certified Fresh rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a 92 percent rating from audiences.
The PG-13 film tells the background story of international assassin Natasha Romanoff – aka Black Widow – in the days before she became an Avenger. Played by Scarlett Johansson, and also staring Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh and David Harbour, the film showcases the darker side – and familial side – of the anchor Avenger’s past.
“The #1 movie of the year is well worth the wait.” Comicbook.com
The film has received typical Marvel praise for its special effects and action sequences. However more uniquely, are the accolades for its female empowerment. ABC News wrote: “’Black Widow’ speaks for itself with rousing hand-to-hand combat deepened by emotions that befit the most provocative woman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Romanoff is a kick-ass spy (take that James Bond) with no need for superpowers and no interest in racking up sexual conquests…. Still ‘Black Widow” belongs to the two women at its center, both haunted by broken childhoods and both determined to break free of the dictates of toxic masculinity. You’ve never seen a Marvel movie like ‘Black Widow,’ and that’s the point.”
The review goes on to – like many others – further praise the starring actresses. “Johansson, equally adept at drama and comedy, is a startling and soulful screen presence,” shared ABC News. “You can’t take your eyes off her. And it’s no accident that the spectacular Pugh is generating Oscar buzz as the kid sister who teases her sibling’s hair tossing poses while never compromising a bond that goes deeper than blood.”
“Black Widow” is playing in theaters and on Disney+ now, and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.