After a decade-long demand for a standalone movie and three theatrical delays due to the pandemic, Marvel fans do not have to wait any longer for one of the most-anticipated films, Black Widow. As Scarlett Johansson reprises her titular role for perhaps the last time, Black Widow will simultaneously release in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access on July 9.
It will be the first MCU movie to release since Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019. Furthermore, Black Widow, usually featured in MCU films as a supporting character, takes the spotlight to showcase her backstory and badassery. However, since the last Marvel movie came out two years ago, many fans may need a refresher of events that occurred in the MCU and recall significant moments related to the cunning but charming Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a Black Widow.
Natasha Romanoff Was A Spy & Assassin
There is no denying that Natasha Romanoff was one of the most talented and skilled secret agents. She speaks several languages, knows many forms of hand-to-hand combat, is proficient with technological weaponry, and is very good with manipulating and reading people. Sadly, this profession has been her whole life, which makes it a tragic backstory.
Considering Natasha was a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, many people like Tony Stark and Steve Rogers found her untrustworthy. However, she answers any tasks requested by Nick Fury, including helping Tony with his arc reactor and health problems and recruiting Bruce Banner. Therefore, she was one of the many loyal and dedicated S.H.I.E.L.D. agents not recruited by HYDRA. Additionally, she is no longer a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, since the organization's downfall in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Black Widow Was One Of The Original Six Avengers & The First Woman To Be On The Team
Being part of The Avengers became more than just a job for Natasha, and it was the one thing that allowed her to redeem herself from past mistakes. Natasha first joined The Avengers to defeat Loki and the Chitauri as they attempted to invade Earth. She became one of the original six members of the team, and at the time, the only woman.
This feat is pretty significant, considering that female superheroes do not receive much recognition in this genre, let alone a whole movie dedicated to them. Furthermore, Natasha does not have enhanced powers like most of her colleagues, which only highlights her natural abilities. Yet, thanks to Natasha Romanoff, the number of female superheroes continued to grow in the MCU.
Clint Barton/Hawkeye Is Natasha's Closest Friend
While Natasha may not be the most trustworthy person, she was close friends with Clint Barton. Throughout their friendship, she exhibited gratitude and respect for him. As she explained in The Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D. had ordered Clint to eliminate the Russian assassin. However, he spared her life and instead recruited her.
Since then, they have taken care of each other and kept each other's secrets, including Clint's family. Clint even named his youngest son Nathaniel after Natasha. Because of their friendship, many are curious about whether Clint Barton makes a surprise appearance in the film and perhaps addresses their events in Budapest.
Bruce Banner & Natasha Romanoff Had A Short Romance
Even though Natasha is a spy, she also deserves a normal life, including dating. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, it became a surprise when Bruce Banner and Natasha Romanoff had a romantic fling, but it ended after defeating Ultron in Sokovia.
The chances of Banner appearing in the film are pretty slim, considering he was still the Hulk in Thor: Ragnarok, which was moments before Avengers: Infinity War. However, anything could still happen, including a mere mention or something unexpected.
Natasha Leaked Classified Information To Stop HYDRA
Natasha played a vital role in defeating HYDRA following their uprising. She disguised herself as one of the council members and leaked classified files that included Natasha's previous covert operations. Considering the government subpoenaed her, the classified information could imply some dark and illegal activities.
Despite the clear implication that she has a dark history as a spy and assassin, nothing was disclosed to the audience. Of course, it seems that her past will come to haunt her with the presence of Taskmaster in Black Widow, and perhaps, viewers will finally uncover her backstory before The Avengers.
Contessa Valentina Allegra De Fontaine Made Her On-Screen Debut In The Falcon & The Winter Soldier
Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine became one of the newest characters introduced in Phase Four. Portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, she made a surprise cameo in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and appeared following John Walker's suspension as Captain America.
People still know nothing about the character, such as what organization she works for and what purpose she serves in the MCU. If anything, she appears as an enigmatic person who has an agenda. However, as reported by several news outlets, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine was supposed to have debuted in Black Widow. Despite the changes caused by the pandemic, she may appear in the upcoming movie and may have a significant role in the MCU going forward.
Age Of Ultron Showed A Peek Of Natasha's Life Before S.H.I.E.L.D.
Natasha's backstory before The Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. will be prominently featured in Black Widow, and fans already got a peek at that early life in Avengers: Age of Ultron. While hypnotized by Wanda Maximoff, Natasha appeared in a vision focused on her training at the Red Room and the moments leading up to her graduation.
This Black Widow program established her as an assassin, and Natasha soon adopted her Black Widow persona after her training. Of course, Wanda may have manipulated parts of her vision, so it may not foretell the whole true story. Nevertheless, this pivotal moment remains the only hint about her life before joining S.H.I.E.L.D. and showcases the threat Natasha must handle.
Natasha Became A Fugitive After Civil War
During The Avengers' conflict about their stance on the Sokovia Accords, Natasha initially sided with Team Stark and argued the need to win back public trust. However, after witnessing the damage caused by the division, she eventually switched sides; as a result, she became an enemy of the state.
These events are crucial as Black Widow takes place between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. Given the timeline, Natasha is a fugitive, and the upcoming film takes place between 2016 and 2018.
Natasha Survived The Snap In 2018 But Sacrificed Herself In 2023
Though a Black Widow film is finally releasing, her fate is already sealed. Natasha will eventually reunite with Captain Rogers and other Avengers, join forces to protect the remaining stones, and inevitably fail to stop Thanos from wiping out half the universe. She is one of many to survive The Snap in 2018, but not without leaving her feeling emotional guilt and heartbreak.
In those five years, she ultimately takes a leadership position to help with the recovery throughout the universe. When The Avengers finally got a chance to undo The Snap and bring back everyone, Natasha took part in the "time heist" and traveled to Vormir in 2014 with Hawkeye to retrieve the soul stone. Sadly, this retrieval required an emotional sacrifice. Natasha fell to her death to secure the stone, but her final act became her redemption. Therefore, no matter what happens in Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff is still dead.
The Avengers Are Her Family
Given her occupation as a spy, it is no surprise that Natasha Romanoff is pretty stoic. However, since joining The Avengers, she started to soften up, grew close with her teammates, and found a new home where she was accepted. Furthermore, in Endgame, she shared that The Avengers were her family, which became her motivation to work hard and bring back all those who perished from The Snap.
In terms of her immediate family, Natasha confirmed that she had no contact with her biological parents and did not even know their names until Red Skull revealed that her father's name was Ivan, much to her amazement. Of course, Black Widow has since showcased what appears to be her adoptive family and will be central to the film's plot.