Black Widow in the MCU- Her Backstory, Powers, Relationships Explained
As fans eagerly await the rescheduled release of Black Widow, the Marvel heroine’s long-awaited solo film outing, let’s revisit her history through Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe and refresh our memories on this super spy turned super hero.
History
Natasha Romanova (or Natasha Romanoff, as she is known in the Marvel Cinematic Universe) operates as a vital member of the Avengers as Black Widow. Although her origins in the comics and cinematic universe have some differences, some major points remain the same.
Natasha’s time as a spy and assassin began in Russia, training in a program geared toward shaping young women into ruthless and skilled killers. This storyline gets more attention in the comics than it has gotten in the MCU so far, but trailers of the yet-to-be-released Black Widow solo film suggest that more of Natasha’s history in the Red Room will come to light.
Flashes of her time in the Black Widow Program are also seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron when Black Widow falls under Scarlet Witch’s spell. Eventually, Natasha is recruited to be a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent when Clint Barton and Nick Fury grant her the opportunity to wipe out some of the red in her ledger.
Skills and Abilities
For all her expertise and intelligence, it isn’t until Natasha becomes a member of the Avengers as Black Widow that she truly becomes the best that she can be. She takes all of her training, skill, and the lessons she’s learned from her traumatic past and puts them to use for something greater than herself to help make the world a better place.
In the comics, Natasha is an asset not just because of her skillset and natural-born abilities; during her training, she was administered a different version of the serum that gave Steve Rogers his super-human abilities as Captain America. This paired with her lethal espionage abilities make her a force to be reckoned with throughout multiple story arcs.
In the MCU, no such superhuman abilities have been suggested. Her main strengths in the MCU are thanks to her training both as a Russian spy and a spy for S.H.I.E.L.D., although her solo movie could possibly shed more light on different abilities that she may possess.
Much of what makes her an asset to the Avengers, however, are simply a result of who she is: her compassion, selflessness, dedication, quick-thinking, and ability to keep a cool head in tense situations make her an invaluable member of the team.
Important Relationships
In the MCU, not much is known about Natasha’s relationships prior to her time in the Avengers. Many fans are eagerly anticipating seeing some of these unfold in her solo outing later this year.
Beginning in Avengers, it is clear that one of the most important relationships in Natasha’s life is that with Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye. Beyond working well together as a duo with deep loyalty to one another, Natasha is one of the few people privileged enough to know Clint’s family, demonstrating the profound trust that that Clint has in his fellow spy.
The two Avengers arguing about which of them will make the ultimate sacrifice in Endgame – and the anguish on Clint’s face when Natasha eventually outmaneuvers him to take the leap – is one of the most painful moments in the MCU. It is made all the more impactful by the implied history the two agents share. Fans are still very eager to know what happened in Budapest, and why Natasha and Clint remember it so differently.
Although it was explored as a romantic relationship for a time, the relationship between Natasha and Bruce Banner eventually becomes one founded in a different kind of love and mutual respect. The two Avengers struggle with the fact that they have each done terrible things, and this shared pain draws them closer together. Bruce trusts Natasha so much that she is the only one that can calm him back down to his human form when he is the Hulk.
One of the most fun relationships to watch in the MCU is that between Natasha and Steve Rogers. Although they share small, fun moments in the Avengers films, their relationship is allowed to really shine in Captain America: The Winter Solider, which feels more like a Black Widow and Captain America team-up film.
In a movie filled with intrigue, betrayal, and a decades-long conspiracy, Black Widow and Captain America quickly recognize that they are two of the only people that can be trusted. Their banter, drive to uncover the truth at all costs, and shared willingness to tear down the very organization they once dedicated their service to demonstrates the similarities between Natasha and Steve, cementing their friendship as one of the best ones in the MCU.
Why We Love Her
Black Widow has inspired comic and movie fans for years thanks to more than just her admittedly incredible abilities. She does not hide from her past, instead making the conscious choice to grow beyond her own pain and shame about it. She is able to view each and every day as an opportunity to try and right the wrong she has done and to continue to wipe the red from her ledger.
Many villain origin stories look a lot like Natasha’s origin story; villains are hardened to the suffering of others through the hardships that they face. Natasha’s trauma and pain becomes something that instead softens her to the trials of others, driving her to save and protect people whenever and wherever she can.
Natasha follows her instincts and makes calls based on what she believes is right. In Captain America: Civil War, in spite of signing the Sokovia Accords, Natasha follows her gut and allows Steve and Bucky to escape at the airport, fully aware of what this will cost her.
In Endgame, as the other founding members of the Avengers scatter and find solace in other areas following half of the population being wiped from existence, Natasha throws herself into keeping the world safe. The Avengers are her family and her home, and she does not allow her grief and despair to take that from her when the world still needs protecting.
Her final choice to sacrifice herself on Vormir highlights the very best things about Natasha Romanoff: her abiding love of her found family, and her unwavering courage in the face of insurmountable odds, and her selfless recognition of the greater good. It is these qualities more than anything else that make Black Widow a hero.
Are you excited for Black Widow’s solo film? What part of her MCU journey has been your favorite? Let Your Geek Sideshow and tell us in the comments!