'Black Widow': Scarlett Johansson's standalone film might provide a more conclusive ending for Natasha Romanoff's story arc
It was not easy watching Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) sacrifice herself in Vormir for the soul stone in 'Avengers Endgame'. While the other Avengers who had been snapped away in 'Avengers Infinity War' returned for the final battle and showdown with the Mad Titan Thanos, Natasha Romanoff was dearly missed.
She had spent five years trying to help others after the Snap, and reconnecting with Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) who had gone rogue. So, her death and lack of a funeral, feels rather disappointing for a major character like hers, even if she had not been as big as Tony Stark.
Black Widow had been introduced in 'Iron Man 2', and later appeared in six more films, including 'The Avengers', 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron', 'Captain America: Civil War', 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Avengers: Endgame'.
However, while most of the other Avengers got a couple of films to themselves, Black Widow was neglected for a long time. Her story arcs were also rather hastily done in the films, and not much was provided about her background.
In 'Age Of Ultron', we did get introduced to the idea of the nightmarish Red Room, thanks to Scarlet Witch (Elisabeth Olsen) planting those visions in her mind. This is where Natasha did her assassin training and was forced to believe that it was ballerina dancing instead.
Those in training were sterilized, which later Natasha said: "made her feel like a monster". The story did not go further from there, and she was just romantically linked with Hulk, while many fans wished to see her with Captain America (Chris Evans) as well.
Yet, the main point being, Natasha, despite all her skills and prowess did not get much character development and her abrupt death for the sake of a male character in 'Avengers Endgame' was heavily criticized.
Well, the new ''Black Widow' film is here to rectify those mistakes and give proper closure to the Russian spy. The film's events are expected to take place after 'Captain America: Civil War' and might just help in the healing process for some of her fans.
In the trailer, we see a different "family" for her, along with Yelena, who she calls "sis". In the comics, Yelena had been with her in the Red Room as well. The film is probably the last chance to give a deeper insight into Natasha Romanoff, her origin story, and what exactly were her motivations.
Here's hoping it all works out! 'Black Widow' releases on May 1, 2020.