When Black Widow finally hit screens in 2021, it landed less like a triumphant solo spotlight for Natasha Romanoff and more like Marvel tidying up loose ends. While the film certainly had its strengths—Florence Pugh’s scene-stealing Yelena, the hilariously dysfunctional spy-family dynamic, and a long-overdue peek into Natasha’s past—its belated arrival begged a crucial question: Did Marvel fumble Natasha’s farewell by releasing this film after her death in Avengers: Endgame?
Let’s unpack why Black Widow should have arrived much earlier—and how that shift could have profoundly reshaped Natasha Romanoff’s legacy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1. The Emotional Impact Was Undercut, Not Amplified
Imagine knowing Natasha Romanoff’s full story, her deep regrets, and the intricate web of her past before her pivotal sacrifice. If Black Widow had dropped before Endgame, fans would have entered her final chapter with an immeasurably stronger emotional connection. Her decision to sacrifice herself on Vormir would have resonated with a heartbreaking weight, born from a complete understanding of her journey. Instead, we witnessed her death, then received her backstory. That’s not emotional payoff; it’s a poignant post-mortem.
2. Yelena Belova Deserved a More Organic Introduction
Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova was, arguably, the brightest spot in Black Widow. Her sharp wit and complicated bond with Natasha captivated audiences. However, introducing her after Natasha’s death created an undeniable narrative disconnect. Had we met Yelena earlier, the symbolic passing of the baton—or perhaps the vest—could have felt like a natural evolution, a genuine continuation of Natasha’s spirit, rather than Marvel seemingly scrambling to fill a void.
3. The Timeline Discrepancy Created Narrative Whiplash
Black Widow is deliberately set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, yet it was released a full two years after Endgame. This chronological dissonance was more than just a minor detail; it made it significantly harder for viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story. It’s akin to watching Captain Marvel for the first time after the events of Endgame—the context is simply off, and the impact is dulled.
4. A Missed Opportunity for a True Tribute, Not an Obligation
Let’s be candid: Marvel waited until Natasha was gone to grant her a solo film. This timing unfortunately cast the project as less of a heartfelt celebration of her decade-long journey and more of a box-ticking exercise. Releasing Black Widow in, say, 2018, could have profoundly elevated her character arc and afforded her the same level of respect and narrative prominence bestowed upon characters like Tony Stark or Steve Rogers.
5. Squandered Pre-Endgame Hype and Thematic Depth
A strategically timed Black Widow movie in 2018 could have added crucial thematic layers to Infinity War. We might have gained deeper insight into Natasha’s unwavering resolve and her fierce dedication to the Avengers. Perhaps Yelena could even have had a significant cameo during Endgame‘s climactic final battle, adding another emotional layer to Natasha’s sacrifice. Instead, the film languished in a peculiar MCU limbo—too late to truly matter to Natasha’s active storyline, yet too early to be fully forgotten.
Final Thoughts: Marvel Fumbled Natasha’s Legacy
Scarlett Johansson poured over a decade into embodying Natasha Romanoff, holding her own alongside literal gods and super-geniuses. Yet, her long-awaited solo film arrived like an afterthought, a coda rather than a crescendo. Had Black Widow been released before Endgame, we might today be discussing the enduring impact of Natasha Romanoff’s comprehensive legacy, instead of lamenting Marvel’s undeniable missed opportunity.
