While it has been subjected to numerous delays, Marvel Studios will be releasing Black Widow in the near future. It's still unconfirmed whether the movie will be reaching streaming services, or be allowed to have some kind of theatrical run before hitting Disney+.
In the meantime though, there's plenty of great Marvel content to check out before the much-anticipated release of Natasha's first solo film. Whether it's movies that she's previously appeared in, or TV shows that connect to the themes and wider ideas that will be presented in Black Widow, there's a lot of great choices to explore.
The Incredible Hulk
While The Incredible Hulk is one of the few movies in the MCU that is not available on Disney+ due to distribution rights, it is still part of the larger MCU. For some time it seemed as if Marvel Studios wanted to distance themselves from the project.
However, there have been a number of connections since that brings it further into canon. Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross has not only appeared in the original film featuring the green goliath, but has also been featured throughout the MCU since and has a role in the upcoming Black Widow film.
Agent Carter
Agent Carter is currently available on Disney+ and there are two seasons for fans to enjoy. The ABC show may have been cut short, but it has lived on in many ways through Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. which it has crossed over with on a number of occasions.
The show has an interesting piece of Black Widow's history. It not only contains the Red Room in an earlier format, but also features one of its famous assassins, Dottie Underwood. This would form the basis for Natasha's own training years later.
Iron Man 2
The very first live-action introduction of the character came in Iron Man 2. Black Widow delighted audiences with her wit and acrobatic, combat skills. She was certainly a highlight of a film marred by studio interference and time constraints.
The movie sets up a lot about the character. It highlights some of her tactical abilities and sets up her relationship with Nick Fury. It creates a partnership with Tony Stark which she will come to develop over the years. It's a vital piece of Black Widow's journey in the MCU.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
One of Natasha Romanov's defining films in the MCU, asides from her upcoming solo adventure, is Captain America: The Winter Soldier. She took a starring role alongside Cap himself and helped to contribute to one of the best espionage films in the genre.
Becoming a loyal friend and an absolutely indispensable part of Captain America's team, Natasha proved that she was so much more than just Nick Fury's hired hand. She really came into her own and demonstrated that she was willing to go against orders to do the morally just thing.
Captain America: Civil War
Once again Black Widow was allowed to show a tremendous amount of character development in a film based primarily around Captain America. Civil War took the famous comic book storyline and managed to adapt it to the MCU.
In any war there needs to be some kind of traitor that switches side in battle. That role went to Natasha who had previously shown loyalty to both Stark and Rogers, before once again going against her designated orders and picking the side she felt was morally right.
The Avengers
In her first big team-up movie, Black Widow demonstrated she could hang with the giants, as she and Hawkeye were thrust into the first formation of an Avengers team, alongside billionaires, gods, goliaths and a man out of time.
She absolutely held her own throughout the film and was instrumental in halting the ongoing attack of the Chitauri. She demonstrated her intelligence in tricking Loki, the god of mischief himself, as highlighted her skills on the battlefield further.
Avengers: Age Of Ultron
Some of the most fascinating scenes in Avengers: Age of Ultron showcased the team's darkest fears and memories. For Natasha, this is a vital way for audiences to learn so much more about her character, which will play into the solo film.
After her mind was affected by the Scarlet Witch, Black Widow had memories of her time in the Red Room and her life in Russia. These memories are surely going to form the backbone of the path she will explore heading back to Russia in her solo film.
Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War had Black Widow finally come out of hiding and join the battle against Thanos and his alien empire. She was a significant member of the Wakandan army that sought to push back his evil forces.
The character wasn't featured as heavily in Infinity War compared to its sequel, but this was a deliberate move since there were so many other characters to balance as well. Having said that, this film is still a vital part of the journey that led to the end of her story.
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame may be one of Black Widow's most prominent films. Throughout the course of the movie, she is shown as an effective leader, coordinating the defense forces of Earth, across the world, and even in the galaxy beyond.
Her heritage, which was originally teased in a scene from the first Avengers film, was brought up again by the Red Skull, perhaps hinting to the plot of her solo adventure. Her death is also a vital part of this film; with Natasha having some of the most screen time this is a core piece of Black Widow history.
Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones may not even be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe anymore, considering the complex ties Marvel Studios has with Netflix. However, it does have links to the MCU throughout its three seasons, which suggests it is still canon.
The themes of Jessica Jones certainly reflect on the upcoming Black Widow movie as well. As one of the few solo female franchises and a woman who works in both espionage and the detective field, there's actually a lot of parallels between these two complex and powerful women.