SDCC: Black Widow

That Black Widow is in production has been the worst kept secret in Hollywood. Well, secret no more. Marvel Studios confirmed at Comic Con that Black Widow is currently filming.

The cast was also present and confirmed. Joining Scarlet Johansson are Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz and O-T Fagbenle. Only Pugh's role was confirmed. As expected, she'll be playing Yelena Belova, a fellow Russian spy and sister figure to Natasha.

While not many details were revealed, we do know that the film will explain Nat's past. At least part of it takes place between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.

A clip of the footage was shown. Nat encounters Yelena in Budapest and a big time fight ensues which ends with them getting a drink. We also see her fight Taskmaster, who looks much better than we saw in leaked set photos. Natasha and Taskmaster had the same fighting styles in the clip, which makes perfect sense since Taskmaster is able to copy any fighting style he sees.

We suspect Fagbenle is Taskmaster, but no word yet on who Harbour and Weisz are playing. Harbour is likely playing Ivan Petrovich or Damon Dran, depending on the time period of the film. But since Red Skull mentioned that Nat's father's name was Ivan in Avengers: Endgame, it's a good bet he'll appear.

This looks to be an earthly, grounded spy thriller with realistic action. Motorcyle chases, hand to hand combat in kitchens and more.

Black Widow is long overdue, but better late than never.

- Brian Flinchbaugh