Marvel Cinematic Universe fans already knew a Black Widow movie on the way, but San Diego Comic-Con gave the official announcement that the movie lands in theaters next year. It brings comic book characters Yelena Belova and the Red Guardian with it. The footage shared at the convention also allowed fans the chance to place the movie in the MCU timeline. Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, but before the events of Avengers: Infinity War, the movie has room for a lot more returning faces than just Black Widow herself.
Natasha Romanoff spent most of her screen time in the MCU as part of larger ensemble scenes. Giving her a solo movie allows for the chance for the audience to get to know her a bit better. It also could serve as a great way to flesh out her relationship with other characters. That’s why there are a few characters we’d like to see get the chance to join her on her new adventure. There are also a few that should stay away.
Want To Return: Winter Soldier
Following the events of Civil War, Team Captain America wound up on the run. So did Black Widow thanks to her helping them escape an all-out brawl at an airport. That means those on the run spent a lot of time together before the events of Infinity War unfolded. There was a moment before all the running that some fans want explored though.
While fighting one another after his programming was activated, Winter Soldier was on the receiving end of a curious statement from Black Widow: You could at least recognize me. That could easily reference a story she told in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but it could also lend itself to them having a history like they do in the comics. Fans are eager to find out.
Don’t Want: Nick Fury
Given that Natasha was one of Fury’s most trusted S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, there are certainly going to be plenty of fans who hope their paths cross in her solo movie. Considering that they’re both in the wind for different reasons, it seems unlikely that their paths would cross, and maybe it would be better that way.
Fury appearances in Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home would indicate that he’s got something a little more cosmic going on. Black Widow’s story will work best with a more grounded approach. While Fury is usually welcome in any MCU outing, this is one where we don’t need him.
Want To Return: Maria Hill
Of course, if a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent from Natasha’s espionage days is needed, there’s another option. Maria Hill and Black Widow both ranked high in the organization. While Hill was typically in uniform and on communications, the Widow was typically in disguise and out in the field.
They both had a close working relationship with Fury and similar skills, and yet, we didn’t see the two of them work together much. If the film wanted to get a little nostalgic with Natasha’s S.H.I.E.L.D. days, Maria would be an interesting choice. Even with only a cameo, we could learn more about their former working relationship.
Don’t Want: Vision
While Vision can be an interesting character, a synthetic being who spent most of his time with Tony Stark probably isn’t going to be needed in Black Widow’s solo outing.
Natasha doesn’t need a machine-like black and white examination of her actions in this movie. Where Vision is most interesting is when he’s discovering his own humanity. The idea plays differently with his relationship with a character like Scarlet Witch instead of Black Widow. That brings us to our next idea.
Want To Return: Scarlet Witch
We already know that Scarlet Witch will hit the big screen again in the Doctor Strange sequel, Multiverse of Madness. Those two haven’t interacted on the big screen yet, but Wanda has an existing relationship with Natasha.
Before the events of Civil War unfolded, Natasha was training Wanda to think like a spy as much as like a superhero. The audience got to see the two of them team up in the field during Infinity War, but other than those brief scenes hinting at mentorship, they didn’t have much time together on screen. It would be good to fill in some blanks.
Don’t Want: Ant-Man
A little comic relief in a Marvel movie is a pretty regular occurrence. While Ant-Man can be a serious character, when paired up with other heroes, he’s where the jokes come in.
If the Black Widow movie intends to give the audience the same level of grit and thrill that The Winter Soldier did, then the title character doesn’t need a plucky sidekick. Besides, according the the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scott Lang would have been tucked away on house arrest during the events of the movie.
Want To Return: Shuri
Considering Captain America and company appeared to make their home on the run Wakanda during the time between Civil War and Infinity War, it stands to reason we could see the country again. Even if it’s a brief stop on Natasha’s journey, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
Despite Shuri’s popularity with MCU fans, she hasn’t been a big part of the MCU just yet. Perhaps Natasha could get some advice from her on upgrading her tech before she heads out on her own adventure. Whatever the reason for Shuri’s presence, actually seeing some of the female characters communicate is always a plus since most of them end up being the solo presence amongst men in larger group interactions.
Don’t Want: Captain America
When it comes to the original Avengers, we know Black Widow’s solo venture won’t include Thor or Hulk. At the time the movie takes place, they were experiencing the events of Thor: Ragnarok. That leaves a few more options for potential Avenger assistance.
Captain America is one of the Avengers we’d rather not see help Black Widow out. It’s not that fans don’t love Cap. The issue is that fans love Cap so much that his presence in the movie would be distracting. We got a good look at their working relationship in both The Winter Soldier and Endgame.
Want To Return: Hawkeye
There is an Avenger fans want to see more of with Black Widow. Hawkeye was responsible for recruiting her into S.H.I.E.L.D. They were so close that she was the only Avenger to know he had a family for years.
In fact, it was Hawkeye’s brainwashing that led her to join up with the Avengers, and it was her love for Hawkeye and his family that prompted her last outing with him. After teases in both instances referenced an event in Budapest, Black Widow returning to the country for the footage shown at SDCC has fans wondering if Hawkeye could at least warrant a cameo. A phone call might be most likely with him spending his time on house arrest with his family as punishment for the events of Civil War.
Don’t Want: Iron Man
Natasha Romanoff made her first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the second Iron Man movie. It might be a nice full-circle moment to see Iron Man appear in her solo movie. Unfortunately, like Steve Rogers, Tony Stark showing up would also be pretty distracting.
Given Tony perceiving Natasha as betraying him when she let Bucky Barnes go, it’s unlikely the two would have been on friendly terms at this point in their story. As much as fans want to see Iron Man again, this isn’t the movie for that.
