How ‘Thunderbolts’ Finally Made Black Widow’s Death in ‘Endgame’ Matter After 6 Years!

Thanks to the Thunderbolts storyline, I now find Black Widow’s death in Avengers: Endgame to carry significant weight. Avengers: Endgame is frequently praised as one of the finest Marvel films, despite its heartbreaking narrative. This film marked the demise of prominent characters such as Iron Man and Black Widow, with Captain America’s MCU journey concluding through his retirement due to old age.

Despite the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to evolve, with future Marvel films planned to carry on the franchise for over a decade past the 2019 film. Prior to this, however, the Multiverse Saga must be wrapped up, and 2025’s Thunderbolts is among these stories. The cast of Thunderbolts shares connections to Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, which will make her death in Avengers: Endgame seem more significant than ever before, enhancing the film’s emotional impact.

After Avengers: Endgame, Black Widow’s MCU Death Didn’t Seem To Matter

At Least Not In The Wider Context Of The Franchise

As a devoted film enthusiast, I found myself pondering over why Black Widow’s demise, post-“Avengers: Endgame,” seemed less impactful to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) compared to Iron Man’s. Don’t get me wrong; Natasha’s selfless act was instrumental in undoing Thanos’ Snap. Yet, when considering Black Widow’s death against Iron Man’s, it’s evident that the latter had a more profound effect on the franchise as a whole.

To illustrate, the funeral for Iron Man was depicted in the movie “Avengers: Endgame”, whereas there was no equivalent scene concerning Black Widow. In contrast to this, films such as “Spider-Man: Far From Home” explicitly portrayed how society adjusted without Iron Man, highlighting his significant impact upon passing. However, Black Widow’s demise was only subtly addressed through Yelena’s role in the series “Hawkeye”, with even her standalone film being set prior to “Avengers: Infinity War”.

Thunderbolts* Makes Natasha’s Black Widow Sacrifice Mean Something Real

Thanks To Two Main Characters

Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe took six years to fully convey the significance of Natasha’s sacrifice, the movie “Thunderbolts” successfully addressed this shortcoming. The film introduces two Thunderbolts team members who have a strong connection to Black Widow: Yelena Belova and Alexei Shostakov. In “Thunderbolts,” both characters’ mental health issues are delved into deeply, particularly Yelena’s feelings of self-doubt and isolation.

In the third act of Thunderbolts, Yelena confesses that one of her main feelings of loneliness stems from Natasha’s demise. Following this, it’s disclosed that Alexei pulled away from his daughter after her passing, exacerbating her sense of isolation. The profound examination of two characters linked to Natasha and the lingering effects of her death on them serves to make her sacrifice seem incredibly real in a way the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t done since 2019.

I’m So Glad Black Widow’s Legacy Has A Clear Way To Live On

Natasha’s Memory Continues

Ultimately, following a span of six years, the comic series Thunderbolts has bestowed Black Widow with a role-appropriate legacy within the MCU. In comparison, Iron Man’s influence is seen through characters such as Spider-Man and Ironheart, while Captain America’s mantle was assumed by Sam Wilson. However, it wasn’t until now that Black Widow’s genuine legacy has been carried forward by significant characters. After acknowledging the impact of Natasha’s sacrifice and bonding over it, Yelena and Alexei joined the New Avengers to genuinely pay tribute to Natasha.

By expanding upon Natasha Romanoff’s (Black Widow) selfless act in “Avengers: Endgame,” the upcoming series “Thunderbolts” serves as a testament to her legacy, with Yelena possibly assuming the role of Black Widow. This is just one aspect of many reasons that make “Thunderbolts” an essential tale within the broader narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

2025-05-09 21:09