When Did Black Widow First Appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?

The question of when Black Widow first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has intrigued many fans. Director and writer Joss Whedon brilliantly introduced this character in Iron Man 2 (2010), setting the stage for her pivotal role in the MCU.

Iron Man 2 and Black Widow's Introduction

The character of Black Widow, whose real name is Natasha Romanoff, first appeared in a cannibalistic scene in Iron Man 2. In the movie, she pretended to be a legal secretary, sent to the Stark Industries headquarters by S.H.I.E.L.D. leader Nick Fury to spy on Tony Stark, the titular superhero.

Iron Man 2 also prominently featured Black Widow's presence in the movie poster and trailer. However, it's important to note that the promotional materials sometimes show the wrong version of her. The image often associated with the movie is actually from the later film The Winter Soldier (2014).

Pre-MCU Appearances

While the theatrical debut of Natasha Romanoff as Black Widow occurred in Iron Man 2, the character also made appearances in other media before the start of the MCU. She appeared in two pre-MCU animated series, The Ultimate Avengers and The Ultimate Avengers 2, which were released in 2006 and 2008, respectively. These series form part of the same universe and chronology as the MCU, even though they were produced before the release of the first MCU film.

Furthermore, there are some interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits regarding the portrayal of Black Widow. Before the successful introduction in Iron Man 2, there were plans to bring the character to life in the 1970s, with a proposed team-up between Black Widow and Daredevil. David Bowie's ex-wife, Angela Bowie, was set to bring Natasha to the screen, with Ben Carruthers playing Daredevil. Although these plans never came to fruition, promotional stills from the idea have been found online, fueling the intrigue of what could have been.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that Angela Bowie's Black Widow never graced the big screen, the fact that she was set to be portrayed in the 1970s highlights the character's enduring popularity. The introduction of Black Widow in Iron Man 2, played by Scarlett Johansson, was a critical moment in the development of the character and the MCU. Fans can continue to explore the rich history and background of this remarkable character through various mediums and teasers that officially kickstarted her journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.