The Marvel Cinematic Universe is in an interesting place right now, as it's interim period between phases. The next slate of movies will kick off with Black Widow, which will move backward through the current timeline of the shared universe. Directed by Cate Shortland and featuring an all-star cast, Black Widow's first teaser arrived this morning-- to the delight of countless fans (and some naysayers). And it seems to have a subtle connection to Avengers: Infinity War.
Black Widow will reveal what happened to Scarlett Johansson's signature character in between Captain America: Civil War, and her reappearance in Infinity War. There are a few years unaccounted for, with the long-awaited solo flick giving a deeper understanding of Natasha's history. But it might also affect Black Widow's costume from Infinity War. Just look at the vest Florence Pugh is rocking in the first teaser.
That looks a lot like the tactical uniform that Black Widow wore throughout her adventures in Avengers: Infinity War. So smart money says she gets the duds in Black Widow, possibly meaning that the movie directly connects to the events of The Russo Brothers' massive blockbuster.
Marvel Studios has mastered serialized storytelling over the last decade of moviemaking, so it should be no surprise that Cate Shortland and Kevin Feige would be doing the same for Black Widow. This first teaser proves that, as the movie will even go back to pre-Phase One Natasha. She's shown speaking with William Hurt's Thaddeus Ross (who has been given Marvel's signature de-aging treatment) before becoming the hero we know and love. As for the movie's ties to Infinity War, only time will tell.
If Black Widow does direct connect with the events of Infinity War, it could clear up a major physical change for the title character. Namely, her short blonde hair that she had when rocking the aforementioned green vest. Natasha Romanoff is known for her signature red locks, which have been styled a variety of ways during her tenure in the MCU. That's why it was so surprising when she was blonde in Infinity War, especially as no reason or context was given. But perhaps that's because it was going to happen in her solo movie all along.
Natasha's hair continued to tell a story in Avengers: Endgame, where it was revealed that she left it grow out and return to her natural color during the five-year time jump. The ends of her braids show the last bits of blonde, showing that Thanos' victory made things like hair maintenance irrelevant.
You can see the first teaser for Black Widow below, including the aforementioned shot of Florence Pugh in Widow's the green vest.
Perhaps that particular costume piece will be given to Natasha by her sister figure Yelena. The three Black Widows and David Harbour's Red Guardian appear to have a family relationship in the upcoming blockbuster. It should be interesting to see how that all plays out in the upcoming movie, and possibly informs the title character's in both of The Russo Brothers' Avengers movies.
All will be revealed when Black Widow arrives in theaters on May 1st, 2020. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next binge watch. And our 2020 release list to look ahead toward the New Year
