Marvel's Black Widow movie is a prequel, which means it's in a unique position to include notable Marvel Cinematic Universe cameos. Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) is finally taking center stage as she stars in her first-ever solo film, Black Widow. Natasha remained as one of the most compelling characters throughout her seven appearances in the MCU but only bits and pieces of her backstory came into focus. That will change with Black Widow since the film can truly dive into her past. Even with Natasha in the spotlight, there's always a chance a few familiar faces from the MCU will cameo to further connect the past films.
Black Widow will mark the 24th film in the MCU and the kick-off for Phase 4 of the shared universe. The film directed by Cate Shortland will focus on Natasha's time on the run following the events of Captain America: Civil War. Prior to joining S.H.I.E.L.D., Natasha was trained as a spy in Russia's Red Room along with a select group of other young girls. Black Widow will force Natasha into facing her past while confronting figures that she once considered family. Aside from anything that happens in the solo film, viewers will have to take it all in knowing that Natasha winds up sacrificing herself for the Soul Stone on Vormir in Avengers: Endgame.
As part of her journey as a wanted fugitive, Natasha comes in contact with Yelena Belova, a fellow Red Room-trained spy who she refers to as her "sister." Black Widow will also introduce Captain America's Russian counterpart, Red Guardian/Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) and another Russian spy, Melina (Rachel Weisz). In addition, Black Widow will feature Rick Mason (O-T Fagbenle), a former ally from Natasha's past who holds romantic feelings for her, and the villain, Taskmaster. With any MCU, it's all but guaranteed a few well-known characters will make brief cameos. Here's who to expect to appear in Black Widow, including who we think has the best chance of making a cameo.
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.)
Even though Iron Man met his demise in Avengers: Endgame, Downey Jr. is reportedly set to portray the character one more time for Black Widow. His appearance in Black Widow seems fitting since Natasha's introduction into the MCU came in Iron Man 2. It's highly speculated that Tony's role in Black Widow won't be newly filmed material but instead, unused scenes from Captain America: Civil War. Early D23 footage shown before the film's release included scenes between Tony and Natasha that never made it into the final cut. It would make sense if Black Widow includes those scenes to not only honor Tony one more time but to also focus on a moment between the two fallen heroes.
Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt)
Black Widow will mark Thunderbolt Ross' fifth appearance in the MCU. Besides Tony Stark, Ross is the only other character confirmed to make a cameo. In Captain America: Civil War, Ross served as the U.S. Secretary of State and introduced the Sokovia Accords. His main goal was to have individuals with enhanced abilities be supervised by the United Nations. Following the end of the movie, Ross was deadset on finding the Avengers who went on the run to arrest them for violating the strict orders. Since Natasha helped Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) evade capture, she became a prime target. Ross will surely be hot on her trail throughout her solo film. It's safe to assume that Ross never catches up with Natasha since he tried to order James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) into doing his dirty work when the group returned to the Avengers Compound in Avengers: Infinity War.
Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner)
Following Captain America: Civil War, Clint was viewed as a fugitive for violating the Sokovia Accords. Rather than run like most of the others, Clint felt that he needed to be there for his family. He was then put under house arrest and remained there until his wife and kids fell victim to Thanos' snap. Since Natasha was so close with Clint, it's possible that she visits him at some point before Avengers: Infinity War. Considering Black Widow takes Natasha back to Budapest, the movie could contain flashbacks to her past S.H.I.E.L.D. mission with Clint. The MCU has teased the mysterious mission between Black Widow and Hawkeye in the Hungarian city but no concrete details have ever been unearthed.
Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)
Whenever an Avenger is in focus, Nick Fury usually isn't too far behind. Natasha worked closely with S.H.I.E.L.D. prior to joining Fury's team of Avengers and the two clearly trust each other. If Natasha finds herself in a bad situation and in dire need of help, Fury might be one of the few people she would reach out to. Jackson could also cameo through flashbacks focusing on how she transitioned from being a Russian spy into a S.H.I.E.L.D. recruit. Even though Black Widow is set to focus on the lengthy timeframe between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, there's plenty of Natasha's backstory that deserves to be told on-screen.
T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman)
Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, it was assumed that Natasha immediately went into exile but maybe some time was spent convincing Black Panther that Steve and Bucky weren't his enemies. T'Challa eventually learned that Zemo (Daniel Brühl) framed Bucky but it was clear he still had trouble forgiving the Avengers for their part in the Sokovia crisis. T'Challa ended up granting asylum Steve and Bucky asylum in Wakanda. Natasha could have helped plant that idea in T'Challa's head. It's also possible that T'Challa offered sanctuary to Natasha but she refuses due to unfinished business with her past. This is another encounter that could be better explained through flashbacks that piece together the timeline.
Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie)
Since Avengers: Endgame served as Chris Evans' swan song in the MCU, it's safe to assume the actor won't be making any cameos, even in flashback form. It would be smart of the franchise, however, to give Sam Wilson more of the spotlight ahead of his upcoming Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Although it will be interesting to see Natasha reunite with her KGB "family," viewers will surely be curious to see how the events of the movie bring her back to the Avengers. At the start of Avengers: Infinity War, Natasha was teamed up with Captain America and Falcon as the trio rescued Vision (Paul Bettany) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen). If a cameo from Steve isn't an option, it's possible that Black Widow shows how Natasha aligns with Sam to join Steve as the Secret Avengers.
Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)
After being on opposing sides during Captain America: Civil War, Natasha was the one who let Steve and Bucky evade capture. As someone who spent a lot of time on the run, it would be fitting to see a conversation or flashback between Natasha and Bucky as they reminisce on their past since becoming involved with Steve Rogers and the rest of the Avengers. This would also give Natasha another connection with Steve without necessarily needing Evans to cameo in the Black Widow solo film.
Key Release Dates
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Black Widow
Release Date:2021-07-09 -
Eternals
Release Date:2021-11-05 -
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Release Date:2021-09-03 -
Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Release Date:2022-05-06 -
Thor: Love and Thunder
Release Date:2022-07-08 -
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Release Date:2022-11-11
