Black Widow will be the first Marvel Cinematic Universe to debut in 2020. There are some wild fan theories surrounding the movie. Here are 15 of the best.
Black Widow will be the first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie to debut in 2020. Leading up to the film’s release, Marvel has offered a few first-looks at the film and the first two trailers have looked good. Especially the second one.
We got a good look at Taskmaster (who looks incredible), a good fight scene featuring Yelena Belova and Black Widow, and David Harbour looked hilarious as Red Guardian. Despite lower expectations for the film, people are still making theories about what’s going to happen.
It doesn’t matter what comic book movie is coming out, fans will always theorize about what will happen. Let’s take Avengers: Endgame for example. Before the name of the movie was announced, people speculated about what the movie would be called. There was also the debate on which of the Avengers would die.
There’s still some time before Black Widow debuts in theaters and the fan theories are already out there. Some of them make sense, while some of them are wacky. Here are 15 fan theories that are so crazy they may actually be accurate. We’ll rate these on a scale from one to ten. One being reasonable and ten being “You like Deadpool without a mouth?”
15. Clint Barton is (or was) Taskmaster
Clint Barton (or Hawkeye) has been a part of Natasha’s life for years. They’ve been partners, friends, and who knows what else. It’s one of the reasons the two of them fought so hard to let the other live in Avengers: Endgame. After Captain America: Civil War, Clint was put on house arrest for working with Steve Rogers. What we don’t know were the terms of his release.
The American Government and especially General Thaddeus Ross aren’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. They know that Hawkeye is a valuable asset. They’re also aware that Clint would do almost anything to see his family again. It may have taken some coaxing, but Clint would definitely change his appearance and work for them to get his family back if presented with the option.
Let’s look at this from another angle, though. Clint Barton is skilled. We’ve seen that his abilities don’t end with bow and arrows. He’s great with a sword as well. It’s easy to believe that he would have photographic reflexes. He could wear the mask because he’s ashamed of what he’s doing. If this is true, it could end with Taskmaster working with Natasha in the end and blackmailing his way into seeing his family. It could also explain why Clint didn’t go to Natasha after his family was dusted. However, our next theory on Taskmaster makes a bit more sense.
Crazy rating: 5
It wouldn’t be terribly shocking if this happened.
14. Taskmaster is a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent
In the Marvel Comics continuity, Taskmaster used to be an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. named Tony. After injecting himself with an experimental serum he developed an ability called photographic reflexes. That meant that he could do anything he saw. Like most serums, there’s a trade-off. For everything he learned, he’d forget something in his life. If he learned a complex move, he’d lose an important memory. This is the reason he became a villain. He didn’t know that he was really on the side of good.
Looking at everything on the list, this is the one that makes the most sense. In the comics, Taskmaster was working for Nick Fury without his knowledge. His wife was Taskmaster’s handler. She would send him on missions that helped keep the world spinning. This would be easy to work into the story. Taskmaster could be working for the enemy when he’s really working for Fury.
If he’s not working for Fury, that works as well. Taskmaster is a mercenary who sells his abilities to the highest bidder. In this case, this seems to be whoever Black Widow is battling. The commercials show that they’ll be battling the women of the Red Room. For all we know, it goes deeper than that.
Crazy rating: 1
Going with his comic book origin is a quick and easy way to explain how he came to be.
13. Time Traveling Superheroes
Black Widow dying in Avengers: Endgame was shocking. There were reports of her getting a solo movie and everyone figured Clint Barton was on borrowed time as a result. He’s had too many close calls and survived. We thought this would be the one he wouldn’t escape.
As we saw, Black Widow sacrificed herself so Clint could bring the Soul Stone to the present. With all of the time-traveling going on in Avengers: Endgame, who’s to say it stops there? Screen Rant speculates that time travel may be involved.
First off, time travel is always weird. It’s a device often used in comic books to correct the timeline. Other than Avengers: Endgame, we’ve seen it in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The Avengers know that the Pym Particles can be used to travel back in time. If they know this, why wouldn’t they use this to rescue their fallen friend?
The only thing about this theory is that it’s a slippery slope. If they use time travel again, this could ruin the timeline. Whoever they go to (most likely Hank Pym) is going to warn the heroes that this could affect the entire universe. Then, if this works, what’s to stop them from trying this again? Lastly, time travel was just used in the previous year in Avengers: Endgame and the year before in Deadpool 2. It probably won’t happen again.
Crazy rating: 8
Let’s hope they leave time travel alone for a while.
12. Omega Red will debut as the MCU’s first mutant
People are still waiting on Disney’s acquisition of the 20th Century Fox properties to bare fruit. It’s been a few years and we haven’t seen a mutant or a member of the Fantastic Four. We assumed we wouldn’t see them in Avengers: Endgame or Spider-Man: Far From Home. Now may be the perfect time to introduce someone. Since Black Widow will take place partially in Russia, why not bring in Arkady Gregorivich Rossovich a.k.a. Omega Red.
Omega Red is one of the more deadly villains in Marvel Comics. It’s not just the carbonadium tentacles or his strength. He also emits a pheromone that can make you sick or cause death. It usually takes more than one of the X-Men to take him down. Wolverine has fought him on more than a dozen times and he’s only won a handful of those fights.
Adding Omega Red to this movie would be a huge reveal. Not only does Black Widow have a big-time villain to fight, it lets fans know that we’ll see mutants in the MCU sooner than we think. We’ve already seen the rumors of Henry Cavill playing Wolverine in Captain Marvel 2. Even though this is probably false, Omega red could get the ball rolling on mutants in a big way. The biggest downfall would be having too many villains. This didn’t work in Spider-Man 3 and it won’t work here. Maybe he’ll just be a vat of liquid banging on the glass.
Crazy rating: 8
Adding yet another villain is a terrible idea. Marvel Studios won’t make this mistake.
11. Teasing of the Guard
Some countries have their own super-powered protectors. Teams that represent and protect their nation. For example Canada has Alpha Flight and Britain has MI-13 or Excalibur. Russia has the Winter Guard. Their team consists (or has consisted of) of Crimson Dynamo, Darkstar, Red Guardian, Ursa Major, Fantasma, Powersurge, Sibercat, Sputnik, and Vanguard. Since we already know that Red Guardian will make his MCU debut in Black Widow, why not bring in more members?
If Red Guardian, Black Widow, and Yelena Belova are going up against Taskmaster and an army, they may need a superhero team to back them up. Guardian could call in a favor and ask for help from his old comrades. Ursa Major may not be a talking bear, but a guy in a bear suit or a trained bear that Guardian loves. There’s also Crimson Dynamo who’s their version of Iron Man. This appearance could show what Iron Man 2 missed out on.
Also, maybe they’re the next big team for the Avengers to fight. Powerful bosses with armies are great, but having the Avengers fight villains with the same potential is a better idea. This way we can have personalized fights instead of random goons. If Red Guardian doesn’t die in Black Widow, maybe he can fight Falcon and get support from the public and the government in future titles.
Crazy rating: 3
It wouldn’t take much to add a couple of Red Guardian’s comrades.
10. Gamora and Natasha aren’t dead
We saw sacrifices for the Soul Stone in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. First, Thanos sacrificed Gamora. Then, Black Widow gave her life so Clint Barton could bring the Soul Stone back to the present. Or, so we think. All we saw was Natasha’s body. There was no confirmed kill. The closest we got was a vision of young Gamora which Thanos saw after he snapped his fingers.
It makes more sense for Gamora to be alive. She’s superhumanly strong and durable. The “sacrifice” may be more metaphorical. Thanos being willing to kill Gamora may have been enough. It’s less believable that Black Widow survived since she’s just a human. However, Gabriella Geisinger from Digital Spy has a theory that could explain everything in a very simple way: It wasn’t Natasha that died. She points out that the tech used in Captain America: The Winter Soldier could have fooled everyone.
In Winter Soldier, she wore a mask to make herself look like one of the council members. It would be easy to do this again. Whoever it was would need to have the same training as Natasha and knowledge of her past. It could be Yelena Belova who actually died. She could want to make up for something in their past and offered to take her place for a while. If this happens, that means that Scarlett Johansson may be back. Also, as Gabriella Geisinger points out, a reunion between Banner and Natasha would be an incredible moment.
Crazy rating: 5
People come back from the dead often. Why not her?
9. Guardians of the Galaxy end credit scene
A more realistic idea is that Natasha is dead. Sometimes what you see is what you get. Natasha will be missed as an Avenger, but she died a hero. More than that. She sacrificed her life to save the universe. Just because she died on Vormir doesn’t mean that she won’t make another appearance at some point.
As we all know, death isn’t a permanent thing in comic books. People die and come back to life all the time. It hasn’t happened a lot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but that isn’t out of the realm of possibility. One of the things that could bring her back is a cameo in a future movie. Maybe not as Black Widow, but as the new Keeper of the Soul Stone. This could lead to a cameo from everyone’s favorite space pirates, the Guardians of the Galaxy.
An end credit scene could feature the Guardians of the Galaxy on their way to Vormir to try and save Gamora. When they arrive, we may see Natasha in the same garb that Red Skull wore. Red Skull’s torture could be over (not that he deserves it) and it’s time for Natasha to take his place. She’s admitted that the red in her ledger will never be clean. This could be her punishment.
Crazy rating: 7
This may be a weak way to introduce a movie that’s far down the line.
8. Steve Rogers Cameo
At the end of Captain America: Civil War, Steve Rogers left the country. He and Tony Stark were on the outs and he was wanted by the United States Government. Steve left Stark with a phone where he could reach him, but was too stubborn to call him. At the end of the big fight between teams in Civil War, Natasha stops Black Panther allowing Bucky and Steve to escape.
Black Widow takes place between Captain America Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. We saw that Steve and Widow were a team when they saved Vision and Wanda from two of the Black Order. At some point they had to connect before Infinity War andBlack Widow could explain how they got together.
Adding Steve Rogers to a scene (even if it’s at the end) could explain some of the gaps in between movies. How did Steve contact her? When did he contact her? Was it actually Natasha that he was fighting with this entire time? All of these and more are reasons for Steve Rogers to make an appearance.
Maybe she calls him to help in Russia and shortly after they get called to help Wanda and Vision. Who wouldn’t want to see a fight scene between Captain America and Taskmaster? Maybe Steve Rogers is Taskmaster!
Crazy rating: 1
This will go right into Avengers: Infinity War. It just makes sense.
7. Red Hulk
General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross has had issues with superheroes since Bruce Banner turned into the Hulk. When Ross returned in Captain America: Civil War, he was there to tell the Avengers that they worked for the United States Government. As we saw in the movie, that didn’t go over well. Since an order from the government won’t put the super-being community in check, maybe becoming one will.
In Marvel Comics, Ross turned himself into the Red Hulk. He retained all of his intelligence and gained the power of a Hulk. Ross may not be as strong as the actual Hulk, but he’s more than enough to fight a superhero. Ross also had the ability to drain energy. A power he used to make Bruce Banner normal. William Hurt is cast to play General Ross in Black Widow. This could be a step towards him becoming the Red Hulk.
General Ross isn’t above becoming what he hates if it meant winning a war. Taskmaster could be hired by Ross to get the supplies he needs to become powerful enough to physically fight back. Ross may want to become a super soldier and end up becoming the thing he hates the most. A hulk.
Crazy rating: 9
This seems like a force. Not impossible, but highly improbable
6. A Skrull among us
At the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home, we see that the Nick Fury and Maria Hill in the movie were actually Skrulls. Meanwhile, the real Nick Fury was in space with an entire ship of the shape-shifting alien Skrulls. This lets us know that we can’t trust anyone to be who they appear to be. Who knows who’s a Skrull working for Nick Fury. Or worse, Skrulls with their own agenda. Screen Rant writer Kayleena Pierce-Bohen has a theory that Black Widow may be a Skrull.
In the Marvel Comics event Secret Invasion, Spider-Woman was the Skrull queen. She infiltrated the Avengers and helped set the invasion in motion. This theory works. Fury and Natasha have a relationship which would have given a Skrull easy access to Natasha’s memories and access to the Avengers. Just because Nick Fury is working with the Skrulls, doesn’t mean that he’s on Earth’s side.
Fury has been around for decades. He’s seen the horrible things that humanity is capable of. He’s probably tired of everything he’s seen and could be trying to set up the Skrulls to rule the world. This may seem impossible but think about everything that Fury has done. He’s known for going against his superiors. The funny thing is he’s usually right. This could be another example of Fury being Fury. The scary part is Fury knows everything about the heroes and villains of the world. He could be informing the Skrulls of all their weaknesses.
Crazy rating: 5
This could happen. But it may be too much.
5. Budapest
In the first Avengers movie, Clint Barton and Natasha have a random conversation during the big fight scene. Black Widow says, “Just Like Budapest All Over Again” to which Clint replies, “You and I remember Budapest very differently.” We have no idea what happened in Budapest. Considering what was going on and the two people involved, we can assume that it was some kind of war. Especially since they were members of S.H.I.E.L.D. However, there’s another option we haven’t considered. Clint and Natasha may have been romantically involved.
We know that Natasha and Clint are the best of friends. She knew about Clint’s secret family and their children are comfortable around Natasha. We don’t know when Budapest was and what happened while they were there. Things could have happened while they were away. Natasha bringing up Budapest could have been a joke saying that their time together as lovers was like war. However, Clint may look at it fondly.
This also works because Clint and Natasha dated in Marvel Comics. Since there’s a history in the source material, it could be an easy thing to make comic book fans happy. Since Natasha can’t have kids, that may have been a deal-breaker for Clint. Or maybe he thought it was more than what it was.
4. Yelena Belova is a villain
Yelena Belova will portray Natasha’s sister in Black Widow. From what we’ve seen in the trailers, we can assume they aren’t on the best of terms. Hopefully, we’ll get an explanation on what happened. If we had to guess, Yelena is upset because her sister left her which leads Natasha to become a worldwide hero. Knowing all of the horrible things Natasha has done, Yelena probably thinks it’s unfair that Natasha gets to be looked at as a savior. They may be working together now, but don’t be shocked when we find out that Yelena is the villain in this movie.
Yelena doesn’t have a lot of history in the comics. She made her appearance in Inhumans No. 5 back in 1999 and hasn’t done much in her time since. What she has done is be a villain. In New Avengers Annual No. 1 (2006). We saw her killed by Hydra only to return years later. She’s always the enemy and this won’t change in Marvel Comics.
Since this is already the case in the comics, it’s an easy thought that she would remain who people know her to be. Plus, it’s a pretty straightforward story. Yelena teams with her sister only to betray her at the end of the movie.
Crazy rating: 1
This theory is a tale as old as time.
3. Yelena Belova will be the new Black Widow
After Natasha and her sister battle it out, it’s only a matter of time before the two of them team up to fight the big bad (most likely Taskmaster). He’ll prove too much for one person to fight, so they’ll have to attack him together. Yes, it’s cliché, but it’s always fun.
After they defeat the top antagonist, Yelena will leave the scene and try to find her place in the world. Unlike Gamora and Nebula, there won’t be a moment when they come together and forgive each other. Natasha is dead. Having not reconciled with her sister, she’ll feel the need to continue her mantle.
Here’s the tricky part, will she be a hero or a villain? We can assume that she’ll be part of the Avengers. A sob story about how she wants to live up to her sister will get her a spot on the Avengers roster after she proves herself. However, there’s no guarantee she remains a hero.
In the Ultimates series, Natasha was a spy for a league of nations created to destroy America and the Ultimates (that universe’s Avengers). It’s too controversial to follow that story to the letter. What they can do is use her to bring in the Red Guard or another team should be secretly be on.
Crazy rating: 3
Yelena surviving the movie is the biggest question. Marvel Studios loves killing people.
2. A mention of Colossus
If you’re like every other comic book movie fan, you’re patiently waiting for the X-Men to appear in the MCU. We’ve all been twiddling our thumbs in anticipation for the first mention of mutants. Actually, we’ll take a hint of any kind. Something that lets us know that we’ll see one of the Children of the Atom in the near future.
The Omega Red theory is cool, but unlikely. You know what could work? Seeing a name or the mention of a popular X-Man. Particularly, the Russian mutant Piotr “Peter” Nikolayevich Rasputin. Or, as everyone knows him, Colossus. They’re in Russia, so why not.
In X2: X-Men United, we saw Mystique sneak into a building for information. While she was there, a mutant database came up. We saw some familiar mutant names like Remy Lebeau. As a comic book fan, you couldn’t help but become excited. The sheer mention of him got people eager. Now, take that and multiply it by five.
We don’t need to see Colossus in metal form to get amped up for a future project. The same method could be used. While Natasha is looking for information, she could come across a list of super-powered Russians that are being monitored. It would be easy to come across Colossus’ name. With that small mention, Marvel Studios gets more press and even more fans excited for upcoming projects.
Crazy rating: 1
It’s an easy thing to do. This will probably happen.
1. A Robert Downey Jr. will make a cameo
Tony Stark gave his life so the universe could continue. Despite all but knowing he was going to die in Avengers: Endgame, Stark’s death was still tragic. We all hope he’ll come back from the dead one day. Even if it’s only for one special moment.
Stark flying into action with his Iron Man armor and bravado and helping save the day would make for a special moment. However, don’t expect that any time soon. Bringing Iron Man back to life within the next few years cheapens his death. That’s not to say we won’t see him again. Especially in this context.
This is a big one. Will we see Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Black Widow? Most likely. It’ll probably be in the beginning of the movie when Stark is trying to talk Natasha into coming back and joining the Avengers. She may be on the fence until she gets the call from Steve Rogers at the end (we’ve seen how that turns out). And that’s how we get a Tony Stark Cameo.
A quick look at Robert Downey Jr.’s IMDb will show that he’s rumored to be in Black Widow. Hopefully, he’s in it. Having Tony Stark make an appearance for even a couple of minutes is a win. After seeing him die, it would be nice to see him make a snarky remark one more time. Especially since his last moment was him dying.
Crazy rating: 2
What do you think? What are some of your fan theories? Let us know in the comments below.