Black Widow spoilers: When is Black Widow set within the MCU?

Natasha Romanoff‘s journey to the big screen for her first solo feature has been quite an unusual journey! Despite being introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe all the way back in May 2010 and having appeared in eight films over the years, the character of Black Widow is only just getting the chance to lead her first standalone film.

Black Widow is designed to be a prequel series taking place before the events of Avengers: Endgame, aka when the MCU writers made the unfortunate decision to kill off the character in a plot twist that has become one of the most polarizing moments in the MCU’s history.

While most films in the latter phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been set in the present-day timeline, Marvel’s Black Widow is unique in that the film is a prequel series following the character before her death in Endgame.

** Warning Black Widow movie spoilers ahead ** 

When does Black Widow take place?

So when exactly does Black Widow take place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

While it’s unclear how much time passes, one thing that is certain is Black Widow is set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.

The Scarlett Johansson-led film picks up after the events of Captain America: Civil War with Natasha on the run after siding with Captain America and breaking the restrictions set by the Sokovia Accords.

With her back up against the wall, Natasha goes on the run but is soon drawn into a complicated conspiracy that finds her confronting the darkest parts of her life before becoming a member of the Avengers.

After embarking on an epic journey in which she reunites with several figures from her past and finally putting a stop to Dreykov’s reign of terror, the film ends with Natasha preparing to reunite with her old friends in helping to bring her family back together again. This, of course, sets the stage for where we find Natasha in Avengers: Infinity War and sets her on the path for helping the Avengers in their battle with Thanos.

Don’t miss Black Widow in theaters and on Disney Plus via Premier Access beginning Friday, June 9.