Black Widow: Her Journey is more than Female

Scarlett Johansson made her debut as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010). Since then she's been known as the first female Avenger, spy, ultimate bad-ass, and a leader in her own right. Besides Hawkeye, she was the only original Avenger to not receive the solo-film treatment. For years, fans have been begging Marvel Studios for a stand-alone Black Widow film, dying to know more about Natasha and her story. After what is now 11 years since her first MCU appearance, Black Widow is finally getting the justice she deserves.

Black Widow was meant debut over a year ago, but due to the pandemic, the long awaited solo film had to be delayed several times. We fans have been patient. We've waited 10 years to learn more about Natasha in her own movie, so what was one more.

Natasha Romanoff is a mysterious character. Although she's been apart of the MCU since nearly the beginning, fans have yet to really learn about who she is. We thought all hope was lost when Black Widow sacrificed her life for her friends and to save the world in Avengers: Endgame, but luckily Black Widow takes place in between Civil War and Infinity War.

Knowing more about Natasha is not only personal to fans, it's necessary. This character that we have seen grow and develop across 7+ films in the franchise was apart of something more. She was much more than what the average person of thought her: a female.

Natasha was there for the women of the fandom before Captain Marvel or Scarlet Witch. What even made Natasha more special was that she didn't really have superpowers - she's just a really good spy. She held her own throughout the years facing off against aliens, robots, and titans - all that which statistically she shouldn''t be able to defeat. Natasha is strong, and smart, and bold. Personally, she's everything I wish I was brave enough to be. But I'll admit, I wasn't always the biggest fan her character.

It probably wasn't until her appearance in Captain America: Civil War when I really could relate to Natasha. In this film, we were able to see the true good that was the Black Widow. She's more than a Black Widow - she's a hero.

After years of mystery, guessing, and questioning - Natasha's story will finally be told. Her legacy she left on the MCU is worth more than just one film, but allowing fans to see her justice after her heroic end in Endgame is simply bittersweet. Scarlett Johansson and Black Widow paved the way for more female lead Marvel films and tv shows in the future. Her dedication and passion for the character and her journey shines through in every one of her performances, and I'm sure it only gets better in Black Widow.

Natasha Romanoff. Black Widow. Scarlet Johansson. She's more than just a female superhero. She is the superhero.

Black Widow premieres July 9th in theaters and on Disney+ with Premiere Access