Top 5 Black Widow Moments in the MCU
Ever since Scarlett Johansson debuted as Natasha Romanoff in 2010’s Iron Man 2, fans have been eagerly anticipating a Black Widow solo film. Now, ten years after her first appearance, that wish is becoming a reality.
Natasha Romanoff was more than just a spy. She was an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a founding member (and eventual leader) of The Avengers. Although her past remains mainly a mystery, she left an everlasting impression on millions of fans around the world who followed her journey across ten years of cinema.
As we get ready for Marvel Studios’ Black Widow to release at VOX Cinemas on 8 July, we’re taking a look at five of Natasha Romanoff’s most iconic moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
5. Loki’s Interrogation
Following her debut in Iron Man 2, Natasha appeared next in 2012’s The Avengers. From the moment she appeared onscreen, audiences were made aware of just how skillful Natasha really is.
During a pivotal scene in the film, Natasha visits the God of Mischief Loki while he’s imprisoned in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Helicarrier to interrogate him. Loki, believing himself to be destined for glorious purpose and above the weak humans he intends to subjugate, begins to seemingly intimidate and frighten Natasha. As he explains how he’s going to use Clint Barton, her best friend and fellow S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, to kill her, Natasha calls him a monster. Loki, in response, arrogantly laughs and tells her that she brought the monster (referring to The Hulk).
Natasha, who appeared to be on the brink of tears, immediately regains her composure. Having just tricked the trickster into exposing his plans, she thanks Loki for his cooperation and immediately leaves to inform Nick Fury and The Avengers his plan to unleash the Hulk.
4. Stopping HYDRA
During the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers and Natasha discover that S.H.I.E.L.D., the agency both of them work for, has been infiltrated by the terrorist organisation HYDRA.
Natasha disguises herself as a member of the World Security Council and leaked all of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s classified files to the public to expose HYDRA and prevent the launch of three Helicarries which would have resulted in the deaths of countless innocents. Her act of heroism was not without consequence, though, as we discover that by leaking the information, she also made her own classified past as a KGB spy public record. Her actions proved that she was willing to put the greater good ahead of her own personal interests, which would later be reaffirmed in Avengers: Endgame.
3. Switching Sides
After a tragic incident involving The Avengers results in the deaths of 26 people, a set of documents known as the Sokovia Accords were introduced, which allowed the United Nations to command and oversee The Avengers as they see fit. Tony Stark, overwhelmed with guilt over the destruction of Sokovia and creation of Ultron, supported the government oversight while Steve Rogers, who had more faith in his own judgement rather than that of politicians, refused to accept it.
Natasha sided with Tony, much to the surprise of her fellow teammates, believing that The Avengers have made mistakes and need to be held accountable. Although she didn’t place her full trust in the Accords, she was pragmatic enough to recognise that opposing them would further complicate things.
When Steve became a fugitive for aiding and abetting his best friend Bucky Barnes, who was formerly brainwashed by HYDRA and being framed for the murder of the King of Wakanda, Natasha was forced to go up against her teammate and friend. During a fight between Tony and Steve’s opposing teams in Germany, Natasha realised that Steve would never surrender. Having enough faith in her friend to believe his determination is warranted, Natasha helps Steve and Bucky escape and prevents Black Panther from stopping them. Her actions were a direct violation of the Accords she had signed, and as a result, she was forced to go on the run once again.
2. Leading The Avengers
When Thanos snapped his fingers at the end of Avengers: Infinity War, half of all living things in the universe ceased to exist. Earth lost half its population, and Natasha, along with the remaining survivors, were left traumatised and defeated by Thanos’ actions.
Five years later, Natasha was leading an updated Avengers team consisting of War Machine, Okoye, Rocket, Nebula, with support from Captain Marvel. Despite her struggle to cope with what happened, Natasha took on the role as head of The Avengers and continued to help the world as much as she could. Nothing could have prepared her for what she endured, but she continued to show remarkable courage and resilience even when all hope was seemingly lost.
1. A Soul for a Soul
It goes without saying that without Natasha Romanoff’s ultimate sacrifice, the universe would have never been restored and trillions of lives would have remained lost. Avengers: Endgame was a monumental achievement and reward for fans who have been with the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the beginning. Years of theories, speculation, and anticipation paid off. However, one thing fans did not see coming in Avengers: Endgame was Natasha’s heartbreaking sacrifice.
When Natasha arrives at Vormir with fellow Avenger and longtime best friend Clint Barton, the Red Skull informs them that in order to obtain the Soul Stone, you most lose that which you love. Clint and Natasha fight over who will be the sacrifice, not wanting to lose the other. Natasha, loving Clint and knowing that her sacrifice will allow him to reunite with his family and overcome the pain and grief he has been enduring for five years, stops him just as he’s about to make the jump and falls in his place. The two hold hands as Clint attempts to prevent her from falling, but Natasha assures him that it’s going to be ok and lets go of him. She falls to her death, providing Clint with the Soul Stone, and ensures the Avengers’ victory over Thanos.
What’s your favourite Black Widow moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Let us know using the hashtag #BlackWidowatVOX and book your advance tickets to see Marvel Studios’ Black Widow on the big screen at VOX Cinemas.