Although Marvel Studios has yet to officially announce a Black Widow film, production on the long-awaited feature is expected to kick off next month. While we've known the film would be a prequel of sorts, it's never been entirely clear just when the film is set to take place. However, Sebastian Stan may have just revealed the Marvel Cinematic Universe time period for Black Widow.

Stan was at a comic convention in Italy recently where he's said to have briefly discussed the forthcoming Black Widow film. According to MCUExchange, a fan said Stan is on record as having said Black Widow will take place after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Unfortunately, there isn't any official confirmation of what was said during Stan's panel, so for the time being this should be treated as a rumor. However, if it proves to be true, that'd mean the initial reports that Black Widow would be a prequel to The Avengers were incorrect.

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When it was first announced that Marvel Studios had hired Jac Shaeffer to pen a Black Widow film last year, it was expected that the film would take place before Natasha joined S.H.I.E.L.D. and became an Avenger. Stan's comments, however, would suggest that this film will instead focus on the Natasha we already know as an established S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and Avenger in the MCU. More importantly, it would further delve into what Natasha was doing between Captain America: Civil War and the last two Avengers films.

It remains to be seen whether Stan will be involved in the film, though he has previously voiced interest in appearing in a potential Black Widow film. One would presume that, if he has knowledge of the film, it'd be because he's involved somewhat, but thus far nothing has been said concerning Stan or the Winter Soldier's involvement in Black Widow. At least, not yet.

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Directed by Cate Shortland with a script by Ned Benson, Black Widow stars Scarlett Johansson, and is rumored to be released on May 1, 2020. Filming is expected to kick off this summer in the UK.

(via Comicbook.com)