Avenger: Endgame arrived in theaters back in April, and seriously delivered on the expectations and plot points set by Infinity War. The Russo Brothers methodically crafted a blockbuster that serviced the OG Avengers, while also providing plenty of action sequences and unexpected plot twists. Endgame had especially high stakes, and included the deaths of Iron Man and Black Widow-- in addition to Steve Roger's retirement.
Iron Man was given an emotional sendoff following the final battle in the Avengers Compound, which saw Tony Stark collect the Infinity Stones and snap Thanos out of existence forever. After Pepper and Peter Parker mourned him in the field, all of Marvel's biggest names assembled for the funeral services at Tony's lakeside home. But why didn't Natasha get the same treatment? The Russo Brothers recently answered this very question, with Joe Russo declaring:
Well, Natasha has another movie coming out. Tony does not have another movie coming out.
I guess it's just that simple. Black Widow's movie was being planned at the time of writing/filming Avengers: Endgame. So while her death was an emotional scene in the movie's second act, she didn't need the grand sendoff that Robert Downey Jr.'s character did. Namely, because she'd be the first hero to kick Phase Four into action next year.
You have to admit, Joe Russo's comments to ET make a great deal of sense. Even if Black Widow's lack of pomp and circumstance may have originally rubbed fans the wrong way. Giving the character her own funeral scene would be for naught if she was simply going to return to the MCU a few movies later. What's more, it would have given Tony's memorial less of an emotional punch for audiences.
Of course, Black Widow did get her own moment during Tony's funeral proceedings at the Lake House. Hawkeye and Scarlet Witch had a private conversation about the dead, specifically Natasha and Paul Bettany's Vision. The two Avengers reflected on their loss, and maintained the dead heroes must know that the good guys won in the end. Their sacrifice meant something.
Related: Black Widow’s Big Avengers: Endgame Scene Originally Went Down Differently
But despite their deaths, both Vision and Black Widow are ultimately continuing their life onscreen. Black Widow's solo flick is coming in May of 2020, while Vision's story will expand courtesy of Disney +'s upcoming series WandaVision. So while they were given a brief tribute, a full on funeral scene might not have been necessary. Dead or not, both heroes will return to the MCU shortly.
Natasha Romanoff will return to the MCU when Black Widow arrives on May 1st, 2020 to begin Phase Four of the massive franchise. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
