BLACK WIDOW TRAILER BREAKDOWN

Well, its that time again, a new trailer for the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has arrived, and this time we are here with the trailer for the Black Widow film, which is set to release in May 2020 and expand upon Scarlett Johansson character of Natasha Romanoff. This trailer is packed filled with different characters, plot elements, and storylines that will tie up a few loose ends, and also set up phase four of the MCU. In this trailer, there will be spoilers for Avengers Endgame, even though this is a prequel.

So first things first film is a prequel because Natasha Romanoff sacrificed herself so Clint Barton could get the Soul Stone on Vormir in the Time Heist to save the universe in Avengers Endgame. 

It has been confirmed that this film is taking place after Captain America Civil War, and before Avengers Infinity War. 

During that time, we know that Steve Rogers, the Falcon, and Natasha went on the run from the U.S government as they still operated as heroes in the shadows taking down an alien weapons trade in foreign countries (similar to what as seen with the Vulture’s crew in Spider-man Homecoming). This means in that time, Natasha did run away and the events of this film unfold. So with that out of the way, let’s get on with the trailer.

Welcome to Budapest

The opening scenic shot of the trailer is of Budapest, which will be a pivotal location where Natasha goes in the film. As we will see later, it appears that in Budapest, we will see the main characters come together. 

Budapest has always been a mystery in Black Widow’s history, as she famously compared an incident in the city to the Battle of New York in the Avengers to Hawkeye. 

Since this film is taking place after 2012, what events unfold here will not be the events that are referenced in 2012. 

However, I am guessing that whatever did happen in Budapest back whenever, will be definitely referenced, and possibly impact the plot of the film.

Yelena Belova, A.K.A Black Widow II

In Budapest, Natasha meets her “sister” from the Red Room, Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh. The character in the film, much like the comics is being set up to be Black Widow II. In the comics, Yelena was more of an anti-hero, even more on the lines of being a straight-out villain. 

The fight that Natasha has with Yelena might be a hint at the two having a falling out. 

I have a theory that Yelena was on a mission with Natasha when they were both assassins, and that was the mission where Natasha was recruited by Clint, and turned over to SHIELD and became the Black Widow. That would place a bitter taste in Yelena seeing that Natasha in a way betrayed her, and on top of that turned into a world-renowned superhero.

The New Suit

A close up of Natasha’s new suit reveals a series of new details. The suit appears to have the classic black spandex underneath, however, there are a series of armor elements in grey on the shoulders, and torso. The outlines of the armor remind me of the Endgame suit that Natasha sported, so it is possible that this is a prototype of sorts of that suit.

On the ground are the remains from a sky-high battle that we see later in the trailer. The isolated field behind Natasha is showing that the fight is going to go unnoticed by many important individuals which would allow this film to have taken place and not be mentioned by too many notable individuals.

White Widow

We finally get to see the white Black Widow suit in the flesh. Black Widow II is notable for sporting the white Black Widow suit, but it is awesome seeing Natasha Romanoff sport the suit. This suit looks like a combination of various suits that Natasha has worn. It looks like a recolor of the new suit, however, there are batons on the back, which were not visible before. 

Natasha is talking to Yelena about a mission as she says: “We have to go back to where it all started.” When then cut to exterior shots of a facility in an icy landscape. What is happening here is that there is a threat that has spiraled out of the organization that Natasha and Yelena were trained from, which they aim to stop. This takes Natasha to Russia, more specifically, this facility. The threat is most likely going to wind being the main villain of the film, Taskmaster.

The rusty rails and outdated look of the facility show that this is a relatively old place of operation, most likely from the days of the Soviet Union still existing. This helps explain how this facility can be a base of operation as no one would be monitoring this place, let alone knowing it even exists. 

If I had to guess, this scene is most likely going to be the second act of the film. This is because it seems like here, Natasha may reveal some secrets about her past, and that will hopefully explore her character, something which may help develop her character further before going into the third act of the film. In addition, I feel like having this as the setting for the third act would be too similar to what was seen in Captain America Civil War, with the Siberian Hydra base.

Taskmaster

Here we are with our first glimpse of Taskmaster. The character is going to be the main villain of the film, and his look deviates far from the comics. But first, the character himself, in the comics, Anthony Masters, is a mercenary for hire and has been a notable Avengers villain in the comics, debuting The Avengers issue 195, in 1980.

In the comics, the Taskmaster is notable for having a skull helmet which he sports along with an assortment of weapons. In the trailer, we see there is paint on a black helmet somewhat emulating a skull. Seeing as though this scene takes place early in the film were Natasha meets Yelena, it seems that this may just be a prototype version of the Taskmaster suit, and we may see a more comic accurate suit later on in the film.

This is supported by concept art from the film, which does show a more comic accurate helmet, which does emulate a skull. 

The bow and arrow that the Taskmaster is using part of his arsenal of weapons, and is not his exclusive weapon. It is possible that the weapons that the Taskmaster uses in the film are a reference in a way to each of the Avengers, the bow and arrow for Hawkeye, and we know that he will use his comic famous shield, which in the film may be directly referencing Captain America.

Red Guardian

Here we see the debut of Red Guardian, played by David Harbor. In the comics, the Red Guardian is essentially the Soviet version of Captain America and has acted as an anti-hero and villain through various iterations of the character. In the film, we will be seeing the Alexei Shostakov version of the character.

Alexei from the comics does not have any superpowers, however, relies on the ability of his super athleticism, and KGB training, which we will see in the film.

The suit in the film is very similar to the suit in the comics, with the bright red spandex, with the white belt and star. It will be indefinite in the film that the Red Guardians will be the Soviet version of Captain America who was developed towards the end of the Cold War. 

Family Reunion

Here is the main group of ‘heroes’ in the film, from left to right we have Yelena Belova, Iron Maiden (played by Rachel Weisz), Red Guardian, and Natasha Romanoff.

The character who we have not seen too much of in the trailer is the Iron Maiden. In the comics, the character is an assassin for the Russian Government and was trained in the Red Room like Yelena and Natasha. 

Looking at this table, it is most likely that by the end of the film, most of the characters will either turn on Natasha or hide a secret evil agenda from Natasha, as all of these characters (except Natasha) are notable villains from the comics. So it would make sense that in the film, we do see their more iconic characteristics portrayed.

Yelena is also wearing the White Suit like Natasha in this scene. This is much like her comic book counterpart, and will be something that we will most likely see the character dawn if she appears in films other than this which are set in ‘present day’.

Red Guardian vs. Taskmaster

In the ex-Soviet facility, we see Red Guardian fight the Taskmaster. In this shot, we see a glimpse of a metallic helmet sported by the Taskmaster which resembles that of a skull, like the comic book suit. In addition, we see the Taskmaster’s shield. 

This scene is most likely taking place as previously mentioned, during the second act of the film. It is possible that Red Guardian could also die in this scene at the hands of the Taskmaster. This would rally the other characters together in a way. Also, I mention this because, the Red Guardian may be no match for Taskmaster, especially when he is out of his fighting prime, while the Taskmaster is a highly trained assassin. 

The Final Fight

Natasha Romanoff once again takes a leap of faith down into the abyss. Essentially, what is happening here is that Natasha is in the black armored suit, on some sort of Helicarrier, which is exploding, fighting a wave of soldiers. 

I am assuming that this will be the third act of the film because this seems like an insane action set piece. When I first heard of the Black Widow solo film, I had no idea that a scene like this would happen, it looks insane. 

But anyway, it is possible that this Helicarrier or transportation of sorts is being used by the Taskmaster and his crew, and is possibly going to be used to harm the civilian population in some fashion, so Natasha needs to stop it, whatever it takes. 

This seen will either be taking place over the skies of Russia, or Budapest, however, in a more isolated plane of the region, as this incident will not be noticed by the U.S Government, or by Tony Stark (who is rumored to appear in this film, as Robert Downey Jr. has been credited to be in the film by various sources).

The aftermath of this incident is what we see in the shot of the new suit, as debris, similar to this was seen on the ground. 

In conclusion, this trailer blew my mind. I was always excited for the Black Widow film, but now since seeing a larger scope than I could ever imagine, characters such as Yelena, and Taskmaster making their way on screen, and many awesome new suits for Natasha to sport, I am super excited to see this film.

Although Black Widow may be gone in present day, this film will definitely help bring light and develop the character in a meaningful way. 

What did you think of the trailer? Comment below your thoughts, opinions and theories. As always, thanks for reading, take care.