Thunderbolts: The Black Widow Sequel We May Never Get to Experience

Overview

Thunderbolts* marks the conclusion of MCU Phase 5, introducing antiheroes rather than Avengers on May 2, 2025.
While it reunites Yelena and Red Guardian, Thunderbolts* will not feature Natasha, and Melina’s participation remains uncertain.
A Black Widow sequel seems improbable due to earlier controversies, yet Thunderbolts* may provide narrative closure.

Jake Schreier’s upcoming film, Thunderbolts*, is set to conclude Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) on May 2, 2025. Traditionally, these phases have ended with an Avengers film, but this time, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will not be in attendance. Instead, the film promises a diverse ensemble of antiheroes—the MCU’s mercenaries—who are making their way back onto the screen.

Phase 5 has exhibited a range of tones, oscillating between the magical worlds of Ant-Man and the Wasp and the mystical elements of Agatha All Along. It has also engaged deeply with the Mythos of the Multiverse, particularly highlighted by the blockbuster success of Deadpool & Wolverine. In contrast, both Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* seem poised to offer more grounded narratives, with Thunderbolts* echoing sentiments of a potential Black Widow sequel.

Absence of Melina Vostokoff in Thunderbolts*

Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff in Black Widow

Though Thunderbolts* is not directly branded as a Black Widow sequel, the absence of Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff is notable. Taking place chronologically between earlier MCU events, Black Widow might have felt slightly out of sync upon its release. However, fans are excited that characters such as Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and David Harbour’s Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian will reunite, alongside the return of Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster from the previous movie.

One key character noticeably missing is Rachel Weisz’s Melina Vostokoff, who served as a pivotal matriarch in Black Widow. Melina not only survived the downfall of the Red Room Academy but also played a crucial role in nurturing the new generation of Widows. Her intricate relationship with Alexei, showcased in deleted scenes, left fans wondering about her fate after the rebellion against General Dreykov (Ray Winstone) in the film.

Although reports from Production Weekly in January 2024 had hinted at Weisz’s return in Thunderbolts*, including other familiar faces like Laurence Fishburne as Bill Foster/Goliath, the lack of appearances or confirmations in the trailers raises doubts about their roles. Even if included, it seems their screen time will be limited—making a longstanding curiosity regarding Melina’s character development linger.

The Diminished Prospects for a Black Widow Sequel

The journey to a standalone Black Widow film has been tumultuous since Marvel Studios regained the character’s rights in 2006, leading to various changes in casting and direction. While plans for a solo film for Scarlett Johansson were discussed as early as 2010, it ultimately took over a decade for Black Widow to become a reality. However, the ensuing film sparked mixed responses regarding its content, pacing, and relevance within the franchise.

The box office performance of Black Widow, which grossed $378 million globally, paled in comparison to many other MCU titles and was further marred by controversies stemming from its pandemic release. Additionally, Johansson’s legal battle with Disney highlighted the growing tensions within the industry, further complicating any potential for a sequel. Marvel Studios has since referred to Thunderbolts* as a spiritual continuation of Black Widow, sidelining discussions about a direct sequel.

With questions remaining about the fates of the Widows and the complex character arc of Melina—who may transform into her villainous persona, Iron Maiden—the future of these storylines is as uncertain as ever. Although fans have expressed hope for a Black Widow sequel, the studio seems more inclined to encapsulate these narratives in upcoming productions, including Thunderbolts*.

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