'Avengers: Endgame' alludes to this possible plotline for Black Widow standalone film
Spoilers ahead for 'Avengers: Endgame'
'Avengers: Endgame' is out and there is a lot that could be discussed about the film and fate of the characters after its climax. There are so many theories that can be spun from what we have seen in the movie and what we have read in the comics to make a connection that could probably clue us into what Marvel has planned for its next phase after 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' ends.
While we wait for that, here's what we think about the upcoming Black Widow standalone film and the direction that it might take.
While 'Avengers: Endgame' has been a satisfying and at times an overwhelming experience for Marvel fans who have been keeping up with the films, many have complained about one character's -- Black Widow's (Scarlett Johansson) -- arc in the film. Given that she was one of the original Avengers, and the fact that she was not the first Marvel female superhero to get a standalone film, this plotline has been considered 'fridged' by many.
When Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow traveled to Vormir after traveling in the past to get their hands on the soul stone, she decided to sacrifice her life instead of Hawkeye's, giving him a chance to reunite with his family. Just before that, she is addressed by Red Skull ( Hugo Weaving) who is guarding the stone as 'Natasha Romanov daughter of Ivan'. After a few minutes, it becomes clear that Natasha did not know about her father and this is the first time that she has heard his name. This information, in no way connected to the events of 'Avengers: Endgame,' has made us wonder - Will this arc make it to the standalone Black Widow film that is finally getting made?
Many have considered that the film could be a prequel which explores Natasha's past, but what if the film is not a prequel and yet reveals more information about Natasha's past? What if Natasha, who is possibly in the Soul world, the same place where Thanos (Josh Brolin) met his daughter Gamora (Zoe Saldana) at the end of 'Avengers: Infinity War'? Yes, Hulk did try hard to bring her back when he snapped, but he couldn't. That's because the people who are sacrificed cannot be resurrected again, but what if Natasha can navigate the soul realm and find a way out instead of someone else seeking a way out for her?
This would ensure that the film is not a stale prequel that doesn't interest fans because essentially she is considered dead and a film such as that would face the same fate as Star Wars film 'Han Solo'. Fans have also been discussing how this plotline may not be the best for the stand-alone film.
So what would Natasha do in the Soul realm? Explore her past, of course, and it has to do with her father, Ivan. While in the comics Natasha is aware of Ivan Petrovitch Bezukhov being her guardian, especially who saves her after she gets abducted by The Hand. In the film, she seems unaware and the standalone film could explore the conflict with Black Widow in the present.
While many fans have said that they want a film about the Black Widow and Hawkeye's past, that would be a tad bit off since Marvel is launching a new phase and this film will not be in line with the future of the universe that is being planned.
In the comic, 'Avengers: Vol I 385' titled 'Appearing in Evil In a Cold and Lonely Place' Black Widow and the other Avengers receive a tip about a mysterious force that is detected in the Canadian Northwest Territories. Black Widow's friend Ivan is the one to tip her off and when the team arrives, it appears that he had been kidnapped by Red Skull.
The same Red Skull who has been banished to Vormir as the keeper of Soul Stone because he tried to abuse the power of Space Stone. This connection could be brought forth in the upcoming film.
Also, food for thought. When Natasha is abducted by The Hand during World War II and according to the comics, the ones who save her are Ivan, Captain America, and Logan. That's right! We are speaking of the Logan who later becomes Wolverine. If Marvel really wanted to throw a surprise at fans, they could make Black Widow a cross over with X-Men character Logan, now Disney has acquired Fox, but what is certain is that a good-old prequel centering on her origin story will not work.
Reports about Florence Pugh also co-starring in the film with reportedly the same skillset as Natasha has hinted at a Black Widow vs Yelena Belova film, in which we would see the two spies face each other. This could also be a part of the past that Natasha explores in the Soul realm.
Speaking about the standalone film, Scarlett told Variety,"I think everything happens when it’s supposed to. All I’ll say is that I think I have a greater understanding of the character now than I ever possibly could have had before. Whatever iteration you see of this character, may or may not see of this character in the future, will be the better because of it."
The film is expected to be directed by Cate Shortland and written by Jac Schaeffer.
