Warning: Spoilers for Moon Knight episode 2

MCU Phase 4 just continued its Black Widow insult in an episode of Moon Knight. One of the most memorable jokes from Marvel’s Black Widow movie relates to her iconic fighting pose, which has been used in both the comics and the movies. In the MCU, Natasha has a tendency to drop into it during action sequences, usually as a follow-up to jump or a fall.

The move, which was used on the big screen for the first time in 2010’s Iron Man 2, has become an important part of Black Widow’s MCU image and her approach to fighting. It was never meant to be humorous – or at least not until Marvel introduced Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). In Black Widow’s solo movie, Yelena poked fun at Natasha’s classic move and even called her a “total poser” for using it. She teased Natasha for acting like everyone was always looking at her. Apparently, the joke was written into the film after an exchange over the impracticality of the pose and its over-the-top nature. Later on in the story, Black Widow referenced it a second time by having Yelena recreate it during a fight.

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Yelena’s insult in the movie was just repeated in a surprising manner. Albeit not perfectly, a similar version of the Black Widow pose was used by Oscar Isaac’s Steven Grant in Moon Knight episode 2. After falling from a building, Steven – while suited up as Moon Knight – landed in a position that resembled Black Widow’s signature stance. With slapstick style, Moon Knight highlighted how silly Natasha’s most famous move really is by having it fail miserably.

Moon Knight Steven Grant Black Widow Pose

One notable difference between what Steven did and Black Widow’s pose was its execution, which was actually much more realistic – and humorously so -- than Natasha's. In contrast to how it works for Natasha, Steven falling from a great height in Moon Knight episode 2 and coming down on one knee didn’t result in a smooth or graceful landing. In comedic fashion, Steven tumbled over, unable to maintain his balance. Of course, his failure to do it correctly can be attributed at least partially to Steven’s lack of experience as a superhero, but it also supports Black Widow’s point about it being more about looking impressive and less about being practical.

Admittedly, landing in such a way isn’t actually unique to Natasha in the MCU, as it’s also been performed by Iron Man and a few other Marvel heroes. However, Natasha has used it more than anyone else, and the movie drawing attention to it further drove home the idea that the move belongs to her now. The pose – as silly as it may be – is now tied to Black Widow’s legacy. Whenever it pops up, whether it be in Moon Knight or another Marvel project, it’ll naturally invoke more Black Widow comparisons.

More: Moon Knight Episode 2 Easter Eggs & Marvel References Explained

Moon Knight releases new episodes on Wednesdays on Disney+.

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