The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to bringing back iconic characters, whether it’s for fan service or the arc. Now, the latest trailer for ‘Thunderbolts*’ has fans speculating about a possible appearance by one of the franchise’s most beloved original Avengers, Natasha Romanoff.
With the movie just weeks away from release, Marvel Studios has been careful not to give away too much. However, from what we did get to see, the movie might get deep into Yelena Belova and potentially give us a farewell we didn’t know we needed.
‘Thunderbolts*’ Trailer Points To An Emotional Reunion Inside The Void
The final ‘Thunderbolts*’ trailer gave us more than just fresh action shots and cryptic glances. For fans paying close attention, the trailer carries emotional weight and subtle symbolism that suggest a deeper character journey, especially for Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova. It places significant focus on her internal struggle, her grief, her trauma, and the shadow of her late sister, Natasha Romanoff.
Related: How Avengers Tower Gets A Sinister Makeover in ‘Thunderbolts*’ As Val Takes Over
One of the standout moments is a shot of Yelena walking willingly into the Void. The Void isn’t just a powerful threat; it’s a manifestation of darkness, fear, and grief. This gives the film the perfect opportunity to dig into Yelena’s past and the scars Natasha’s death left behind. Marvel seems to be setting up the Void as more than just a villain. It might allow Yelena to relive memories or confront illusions.
So, it’s entirely possible, even likely, that Natasha could appear within it. But this wouldn’t be a multiversal version or a resurrected hero. Instead, it would be a memory, an echo, or a projection conjured by Yelena’s psyche or the Void itself. And frankly, that’s what makes the idea so powerful. Moreover, it could give fans the closure they’ve been craving and allow Yelena to fully step into her own as the next Black Widow.
A Natasha Romanoff Cameo Could Be A Great Way For Scarlett Johansson’s Return
For Scarlett Johansson, who has repeatedly said her MCU journey ended with Black Widow, this kind of cameo could be the ideal way to return and honor Natasha’s legacy while helping move Yelena’s story forward. Her return would be deeply personal, heartfelt, and earned. It would also allow Johansson to give Natasha one final bow without undoing her sacrifice or rewriting the rules of her character’s end.
In case you missed it: ‘Thunderbolts*’ To Mark The Debut Of MCU’s Most Powerful Villain Ever
And from a storytelling standpoint, it makes complete sense. Natasha’s presence still lingers in the MCU, in Hawkeye’s haunted conscience, in Yelena’s grief, and in the weight of the Black Widow mantle. A final scene between Yelena and an illusion of Natasha could act as the bridge between their two legacies. Not to mention, it would feel profoundly human.
If Marvel pulls this off, it could become one of the most emotionally resonant scenes in the MCU. In a universe filled with time travel, multiverse hopping, and world-ending stakes, sometimes the most powerful moments are the quiet ones. And if ‘Thunderbolts*’ chooses to give us one last moment between Natasha and Yelena, it won’t just be a cameo, it’ll be the perfect emotional send-off for a beloved character.
