Warning: This post contains spoilers for Black Widow.

When signing onto Black Widow, Rachel Weisz didn't discuss her MCU future playing Melina. Weisz is one of the many MCU newcomers who made their debuts in Black Widow, the long-awaited solo film centered on Scarlett Johansson's Natasha Romanoff. Once scheduled for last year, the movie finally arrived this weekend after multiple COVID-related delays. Black Widow introduces audiences to Natasha's pre-Avengers family, which includes Weisz's Melina, a scientist working for the Red Room who posed as mother to Natasha and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). Rounding out the once-happy family is Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), aka Red Guardian.

Even before Black Widow arrived, there was much intrigue surrounding Melina. Marvel inadvertently confirmed her last name to be Vostokoff well before the movie's debut, all but confirming Weisz was playing the same character who is known as villain Iron Maiden in the comics. As those who have seen Black Widow will now know, Melina remains an ally to Natasha the whole way through, even after it looks like she's betrayed the onetime Avenger.

Related: Black Widow Ending Explained: How It Connects To The Wider MCU

As Melina ends Black Widow alive, it seems likely she will return to the MCU fold sometime in the future. However, Weisz doesn't yet know what will come next for her. Speaking to Collider about the film, Weisz responded to the question of whether she discussed her Marvel future ahead of Black Widow. "I mean, it would be different for every actor, but for me, it was just for this film," she said.

Melina Black Widow

In the early days of the MCU, actors would sign on for 9 movies right away, even if they didn't know what those movies would end up being. Marvel is no longer using this practice, so it makes sense that Weisz would have only discussed Black Widow when joining the franchise. That doesn't mean Melina will never be seen again in the MCU, just that there seems to be more of a slow burn approach going on behind the scenes.

Right now, it isn't clear if there will be a Black Widow 2. However, with Yelena steadily coming into her own within the MCU, it stands to reason she could go on to lead her own film. That could provide the perfect opening to bring Melina back for another adventure. Another option could see Melina and Alexei leading their own spin-off, or perhaps there will just be a future movie that brings unites them with the rest of the MCU. The possibilities are always endless when it comes to this franchise, and it will be quite interesting to see where the characters of Black Widow go next.

More: All 13 Marvel Movies Releasing After Black Widow

Source: Collider

Key Release Dates