Scarlett Johansson has said that Marvel's decision to delay the release of the standalone Black Widow movie by a whole year is the right call.

The new film - set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War - was originally due out in May, but coronavirus forced the release date to be bumped on to November, then again to May 7, 2021.

The movie, part of Marvel's Phase Four, will see Johansson reprise her role as Natasha Romanoff as she undergoes training at the Red Room academy in Russia alongside fellow assassin Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh.

Speaking to Marie Claire in a joint interview with Pugh, Johansson said: "We're all eager to get the movie out, but more important than anything, everybody wants the experience to feel safe, to have people be able to really feel confident about sitting in an enclosed theatre."

Marvel newcomer Pugh added: "It seemed to me all the fun of summer, and everybody being outside and finally having some relaxed rules, caught up with everyone, obviously, because of the virus.

"I'm sad that people don't get to watch it for another half year, but I wasn't majorly upset because it's important to look after people right now."

Around 1.2 million people worldwide have now died due to COVID-19, and an alarming resurgence of the virus has led to many countries in Europe re-entering full lockdown.