The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has introduced three potential successors to the iconic Black Widow character, yet two of these candidates appear to be sidelined. Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, who first graced screens in Phase 1, has become synonymous with the Black Widow identity. This title not only embodies her skills as an Avenger but also the harrowing history of the Red Room—a facility notorious for training young girls as lethal spies and assassins.
While the term “Black Widow”has evolved to represent a broader concept within the MCU, Natasha remains the original hero cherished by fans. As many Phase 1 characters have reached the end of their story arcs, Marvel has been strategically introducing legacy characters as possible successors. We have seen this trend with figures like Sam Wilson, who has taken up the mantle of Captain America, and Jennifer Walters as She-Hulk. The Black Widow mantle, however, offers distinct possibilities for succession, although only one replacement has truly started to take shape.
Three Potential Black Widow Replacements in the MCU Post-Natasha
After the death of Natasha Romanoff in “Avengers: Endgame,”the MCU has positioned three characters as potential heirs to the Black Widow legacy. The 2021 film “Black Widow”introduced Yelena Belova and Antonia Dreykov, both of whom have direct ties to Natasha through the training they received in the Black Widow program. Yelena, who posed as Natasha’s sister during their childhood missions, stands out as a natural successor, given her strong familial bond and her determination to honor Natasha’s legacy.
Conversely, Antonia’s character arc is more complex. She initially was a collateral damage of one of Natasha’s missions, thought to be dead after a confrontation in Budapest with General Dreykov. In a twist, she survived, only to become a victim of mind control and a new identity as Taskmaster, trained within the same ruthless program as Natasha. Recently, the MCU introduced Ruth Bat-Seraph in “Captain America: Brave New World,”where she was unveiled as a former Black Widow operative, showcasing her formidable combat skills—and adding another layer to the legacy.
Outlook on the Future of These Black Widow Successors
Despite the establishment of three possible Black Widow replacements, a concerning trend indicates that two of these characters may not have much of a future in the MCU. As it stands, Yelena Belova is the only character with a clearly defined trajectory, slated to feature prominently in the upcoming “Thunderbolts”film. Furthermore, Florence Pugh has been confirmed to return for “Avengers: Doomsday,”suggesting that Yelena’s story will continue beyond the film.
In contrast, the future of Taskmaster appears uncertain; speculation suggests that she could meet her end in “Thunderbolts”as her appearances in promotional materials have been minimal, and she remains unconfirmed for “Doomsday.”Additionally, Ruth’s role in “Brave New World”has been somewhat minor, leaving fans speculating about whether there are plans to further explore her character. At this point, Yelena stands as the sole Black Widow replacement poised for continued adventure in the MCU, while the paths for Antonia and Ruth seem to be waning.