Black Widows Future in Marvel: No Solo Movie, but Plenty of Yelena
Is Black Widow Getting Her Own Movie?
No, it seems unlikely that we will see a solo movie for Black Widow in the near future. This is because the character, Natasha Romanoff, passed away in The Avengers: Endgame, ultimately concluding her journey with Marvel Studios. However, many fans can look forward to seeing Yelena Belova, Black Widow's sister, in the upcoming Thunderbolts series.
The Thunderbolts series, which consists of 18 episodes, will delve into Yelena's character arc. This new series, starting in 2024, provides a platform for fans to see more of Yelena, introduced in The Black Widow standalone film and The Avengers: Endgame.
Scarlett Johansson's Departure
Scarlett Johansson, the actress who played Black Widow, recently stated on a podcast that her journey with Marvel Studios has come to an end. This marks the conclusion of her long-standing relationship with the studio, but it may not be a complete exit from the character.
Marvel Studios has the technical capability to ask Johansson to reprise her role for Secret Wars. Nevertheless, as of now, there are no rumors about this and the likelihood of Johansson returning to the Black Widow role is slim. The possibility remains but is highly improbable.
Ruined Negotiations and Legal Tensions
One of the primary reasons for the lack of a Black Widow movie is the strained relationship between Johansson and Disney.
Initially, The Black Widow film was scheduled for theatrical release. However, during the pandemic, Disney decided to release the film on Disney . The change was not communicated effectively, leading to a breach of contract. Johansson sued Disney, which they ultimately settled, resolving their differences.
Black Widow’s Role in Marvel's Grand Narrative
Beyond the legal issues, another compelling reason there won't be a solo Black Widow film is that Natasha Romanoff doesn't truly need one. As a supporting character, her presence fulfilled the role of passing the torch to her sister, Yelena Belova.
The film didn't serve a standalone purpose and, in many aspects, was deemed a failure. The story of The Black Widow was more about exploring Natasha's past and character development. Therefore, creating another standalone film would be redundant and unlikely.
Despite the absence of a solo Black Widow movie, her character's legacy and the introduction of Yelena Belova are important stepping stones in Marvel's grand narrative. These characters ensure that the story can continue and evolve, even in the absence of the original Black Widow.
Conclusion
Marvel's Thunderbolts series, along with potential appearances in Secret Wars, provides the continuation of Black Widow's legacy, with Yelena Belova becoming a pivotal character in the upcoming narrative. While no solo movie is in the pipeline, fans have plenty to look forward to as these intricate storylines unfold.