Following the events of the Black Widow movie, the character’s legacy doesn’t end, but rather splinters and expands through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), carried on by Yelena Belova, while the film itself provides crucial backstory and context for the present timeline. This exploration includes Yelena’s continued assignments, the ripple effects of the Red Room’s dismantling, and how these events influence the larger narrative unfolding across various MCU projects.
Passing the Baton: Yelena Belova’s Ascension
The most direct answer to “What comes after Black Widow movie?” lies in the trajectory of Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh. Natasha Romanoff’s “sister” is firmly positioned as her successor, inheriting not just the Black Widow mantle, but also the burden and complexities that come with it. We see this immediately post-Black Widow in Hawkeye, where she is manipulated by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine into targeting Clint Barton.
Yelena’s Continued Role in the MCU
Yelena’s character arc is poised for significant development. She’s no longer merely an assassin following orders; she’s grappling with her past, forging her own identity, and learning to navigate the moral grey areas that defined Natasha’s life. Her involvement with the Thunderbolts team, teased at the end of Black Widow, suggests a future fraught with ethical dilemmas and potentially explosive alliances. We can expect her to wrestle with questions of loyalty, redemption, and the very definition of justice. Furthermore, Yelena’s skills and experience, gained in the Red Room, make her a valuable asset in a world increasingly threatened by super-powered individuals and organizations.
The Red Room’s Lingering Shadows
The destruction of the Red Room at the end of Black Widow doesn’t necessarily mean its complete eradication. The film hinted at a vast network of operatives and sleeper agents. It’s highly probable that remnants of the program continue to operate in the shadows, posing a threat to Yelena and potentially other heroes. The film serves as an origin story and a closure for Natasha, but it also opens the door for future storylines involving the unraveling of lingering Red Room conspiracies and the exposure of those complicit in its atrocities. This allows for opportunities to explore the psychological impact of the program on its victims and the complexities of escaping its influence.
Echoes of the Past: Influencing the Present
Black Widow isn’t just a standalone origin story; it actively retroactively shapes our understanding of Natasha Romanoff’s decisions and motivations throughout the entire MCU timeline.
Reframing Natasha’s Sacrifices
The film provides context for Natasha’s deeply ingrained sense of guilt and her unwavering commitment to saving others, especially those she feels responsible for. Her sacrifice on Vormir in Avengers: Endgame gains even greater significance when viewed through the lens of her experiences in the Red Room and her desperate attempts to atone for her past actions. Knowing her history, her willingness to trade her life for the Soul Stone becomes less a heroic act and more a necessary penance.
Filling the Gaps in the Avengers’ History
Black Widow sheds light on events previously only hinted at, such as the Budapest mission with Clint Barton. While the full details remain shrouded in mystery, the film offers glimpses into their shared past and the deep bond that formed between them. These insights enrich our appreciation for their dynamic and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the early Avengers team. The film’s exploration of Natasha’s pre-Avengers life paints a more complete picture of the woman behind the spy, allowing us to appreciate the strength and resilience she demonstrated throughout her time with the team.
FAQs: Unpacking the Aftermath
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the path forward after Black Widow:
1. Will we see more flashbacks involving Natasha Romanoff?
While unlikely, given Natasha’s death, cameos through flashbacks or archived footage are not entirely impossible. However, the focus will likely remain on Yelena as the primary Black Widow figure. Flashbacks could offer further insights into the relationship between Natasha and Yelena and provide context for Yelena’s actions.
2. How will the events of Black Widow affect the wider MCU narrative?
The dismantling of the Red Room, the emergence of Yelena as the new Black Widow, and the introduction of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine all have significant implications for the future of the MCU. These elements can be woven into various storylines, impacting the narratives of other heroes and potentially setting up future conflicts.
3. What role will Valentina Allegra de Fontaine play in the future?
Valentina, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is clearly a key player in the MCU’s next phase. Her recruitment of Yelena and John Walker (U.S. Agent) suggests she is building a team, likely the Thunderbolts, to operate outside the established channels of government and law. Her motives remain unclear, but she appears to be a powerful and influential figure with her own agenda.
4. Will we see other Black Widows emerge?
The potential exists for other graduates of the Red Room to surface. Black Widow established the program as a global operation, suggesting that numerous other Widows are still active. This could lead to future conflicts and alliances, adding another layer of complexity to the MCU.
5. How does Black Widow fit into the MCU timeline?
The film primarily takes place between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. A post-credits scene shows Yelena after the Blip, grieving for Natasha and being approached by Valentina. This placement bridges the gap between the past and present, connecting Natasha’s legacy to the ongoing narrative.
6. Is Taskmaster truly defeated?
While the Black Widow movie seemingly resolved Antonia Dreykov’s brainwashing, the Taskmaster character could still reappear in future projects. The technology used to control her could be replicated, or she could find a way to break free from her programming completely. Her unique fighting skills make her a valuable asset, even if her allegiance is uncertain.
7. What is the significance of the Red Room’s ledger?
The Red Room’s ledger likely contains information about numerous sleeper agents, covert operations, and powerful individuals who are implicated in its activities. This information could be used to expose corruption, bring criminals to justice, or even blackmail powerful figures. The ledger’s whereabouts and the contents it holds are likely to be a point of contention in future storylines.
8. Will Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian) appear in future MCU projects?
David Harbour’s portrayal of Red Guardian was a standout in Black Widow. While his future in the MCU is uncertain, his connection to both Natasha and Yelena, as well as his own past as a Russian super-soldier, makes him a potentially valuable asset. He could reappear as a mentor, an ally, or even an antagonist, depending on the direction of the story.
9. How will Yelena cope with the truth about Natasha’s death?
Learning that Natasha sacrificed herself to save the universe will undoubtedly have a profound impact on Yelena. She will likely grapple with grief, guilt, and a renewed sense of responsibility to honor Natasha’s legacy. This emotional turmoil could drive her actions and shape her decisions in future appearances.
10. Could we see a Black Widow sequel focusing on Yelena?
While a direct sequel is unlikely given the current MCU structure, a spin-off series or film centered on Yelena’s continued adventures as the Black Widow is a strong possibility. Florence Pugh’s popularity and the character’s potential for growth make her a compelling protagonist for future stories.
11. Will the Black Widow movie impact the Thunderbolts movie?
Absolutely. Yelena Belova’s history as a Black Widow and her recruitment by Valentina are directly relevant to the Thunderbolts storyline. The film will likely explore the ethical dilemmas faced by the team members, many of whom are former villains or anti-heroes, and Yelena’s journey of redemption will be a key element of the narrative.
12. What is the biggest takeaway from Black Widow for the MCU’s future?
The biggest takeaway is the expansion of the spy genre within the MCU. The film introduced new characters, organizations, and storylines that explore the shadowy world of espionage and covert operations. This opens up a wealth of possibilities for future stories that delve into the complexities of international intrigue and the moral ambiguities of the spy game. This allows for a more grounded and realistic portrayal of superheroes, even within the fantastical context of the MCU.