Why Kevin Feige Would Be Angry Over Black Widow's Disney+ Release

Kevin Feige is reportedly angry with Disney about Black Widow's Disney+ release, and here are some of the reasons why that would be the case. As a result of multiple delays caused by COVID-19, Scarlett Johansson's long-awaited Black Widow solo movie eventually received a simultaneous theatrical and Disney+ release rollout. The movie is now out and has been well-received, but all is not right with those involved: Johansson sued Disney for Black Widow's Disney+ release, claiming it broke her contract with the Mouse House.

The fallout of the Black Widow lawsuit is far-reaching. Other actors involved in Disney movies are monitoring the situation to see if they should also sue. But, there is also a war of words unfolding between Johansson's side and Disney. The studio attacked the Black Widow star's character for the lawsuit, but Johansson isn't backing down. Another piece of information that surfaced from this potentially Hollywood-shaking news concerns Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige: Reports note that he's upset with Disney about Black Widow getting a Disney+ release and embarrassed about the rollout. Since this news doesn't - and won't - come directly from Feige's mouth, the reason that he's angry with Disney could be one of many.

One of the primary reasons Feige could've been against the Disney+ release could be Black Widow's box office performance and perception of the film being a success or failure. The movie set a pandemic-era record opening weekend domestically with $80 million, added another $78.8M overseas, and received $60M worldwide from Disney+ Premier Access. Despite that relatively strong opening, Black Widow has had a sharp decline. It currently has earned less than $350M worldwide at the box office, but Disney+ receipts could bump its total north of $400M. While that stacks up quite well with other recent blockbusters, it is currently the second-lowest-grossing MCU movie ever - only topping The Incredible Hulk. That's a disappointing output for Marvel's second female-led superhero movie. In one way or another, Black Widow's availability on Disney+ has taken away from its box office potential, and that is something Feige could've been looking to avoid.

Disney and Marvel could not have held Black Widow forever without delaying other MCU projects more, but the film's Disney+ release also takes away from the theatrical experience. Feige has long been an advocate of exclusive theatrical releases, which is why he previously scoffed at the idea of Marvel Studios making movies for Disney+. Feige has cited the incredible collective fan experience that comes with a new Marvel movie opening as a reason why he supports the theatrical experience so strongly. There's a reason Avengers: Endgame crowd reaction videos trend online frequently, and that type of response is something Disney+ can't replicate even with in-person or online watch parties.

Feige and Marvel Studios already adapted the MCU's plans to help Disney by giving the streaming service loads of exclusive MCU content too. WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki have shown how Disney+ and the MCU can help each other. But, it also makes Black Widow and MCU movies debuting there unnecessary. Fans aren't being given the opportunity to see the Disney+ content on the big screen (or even buy physical copies of it). Feige likely was weary of the idea of putting a massive MCU blockbuster on Disney+ because that will lead to expectations and hopes that this is how every MCU movie should be released.

Even though Feige may not be happy with Black Widow's Disney+ release, this isn't a fight he should have moving forward. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is confirmed to have a 45-day exclusive theatrical run. It is expected all other MCU movies will get a similar release moving forward. Of course, Feige also likely would've wanted to have Black Widow get that deal too and go to Disney+ after that theatrical run concluded. Doing so likely would've prevented the current mess Disney and Marvel are in with Johansson too.

MORE: Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow Lawsuit Echoes Marvel's Biggest Controversy