THE BLACK WIDOW (post-Avengers film starring Scarlett Johansson)

[Nave 'Torment']

http://www.boomtron.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/scarlett-Johannson-black-widow1.jpg

No doubt that if you're here you've read today's SHH headline regarding the Kevin Feige announcement/promise that the team behind Marvel Studios is opting to move forward with a stand-alone BLACK WIDOW film with Scarlett Johansson.

For a long time now the Avengers' most prominent female member (sorry Wasp, Wanda, and Ms Marvel) has been treated as second-tier to the bigger guns in the business. It's not surprising, first and foremost she's a female superhero and unless you happen to be one of the conveniently-bodice-torn-babe that's ELEKTRA, there's little chance that you're going to get much respect in the comics world. Sad but true. Unlike the Ladies at DC, Marvel Babes are physically stronger (Jean Grey and the X-Women, Spider Woman, Sue Storm vs. Diana Prince, Lois Lane, Catwoman, and either Black Canary, Oracle or that blonde cheerleader), the subject is open to debate but the more recognizable Marvel Babes are indeed superhumans, whereas in DC the most recognizable ladies are (while being equally beautiful and brilliant to their Marvel foes) strong-women. For the Black Widow this serves as one of the main reasons why unsuspecting fans don't easily accept her -- she's a non-powered heroine in a super-powered community, and the leather-clad fanbase is already sold on Selina Kyle (or Elektra Nachios). It's even more baffling because (while a different character altogether) the persona of 'The Black Widow' dates back to the Golden Age - a female protagonist in a comic book who predates Wonder Woman, and we just let her become a cameo in an Iron Man sequel (okay fine this incarnation of the Widow debuted in IM, still doesn't make it right though).Coupled with the fact that she's also an ex-KGB spy, most fans these days just don't like the overtly Tom Clancy-esque "COLD WAR" b.s. making the Widow an anachronism of sorts.

http://www.ljamalwalton.com/graphics/blog/blackwidow1.jpg

I say NAY. And when David Hayter struggled hard to establish her spy-based anti-heroine tale of espionage in a script, I was more than thrilled. While that never saw the thaw of the sun, with IM2 we got a sneak peak at what a Widow film would look like, and I was more than just sold when I saw Johansson taking out the Hammer Guards in that sweep motion. It was a hint that there can be darker places in the Marvel Universe, that there are Marvel Knights or Maidens just as dark and realistic as those 'grim and gritty', cowl-totting goths at DC. More importantly, the Widow's very grounded approach contrasted with Tony Stark's robotics so much in that one pivotal moment, that it screamed a higher degree of realism. In fact, I was hoping they mention the Vanko-connection with the Black Widow, and when they didn't (which was okay for IM2, it kept the film focused) I started a short story on a Cinematic-Universe Black Widow.

With what we've heard today, it will hopefully not be just another fan-fiction anymore, but a reality. A Black Widow film would work brilliantly. Yes, there are skeptics as usual who underrate Johansson's ability as an actress, who question a strong female lead carrying a film (blind to such great examples as BUFFY, ALIAS, TOMB RAIDER or even RIPLEY who did the same thing through YEARS), and who are even more skeptical about a film in the spy-genre. Still there are those who think that a DAREDEVIL reboot is a better option given the dark nature of the character. DD comparisons are inevitable because the two characters are known to have shared more than just crossed paths in the comics, and I am a huge fan of DD, but I want this to be a Black Widow film -- Daredevil and Punisher can have their respective films if they want. There are those skeptics, but there are also supporters and fans who can nullify the delinquent rants.

I for one am looking forward to this, and if this is the first post-Avengers film that carries on the universe, then all the more better. Who knows? Maybe it'll be a Hawk Eye crossover film, or even include a more prominent Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. presence. It should be a spy-film after all.

And if they use the old David Hayter script that was just as dark and grim as ... oh I dunno, his adaptation of The Watchmen (or the first two X-Men films, or Ang Lee's quite-more-serious-when-compared-to-TIH 2003 film)? Then we'll be watching a spy film written by Solid Snake.

http://www.popcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Scarlett-Johansson-Iron-Man-Spinoff-The-Black-Widow-500x281.jpg

Let this be an opening thread to all things Scarlet (spidey excluded).

[psylockolussus]

Black Widow and Hawkeye should get a solo movie after The Avengers.

[Madelow]

Hello all: I believe I'm going to agree with Nave Torment and the idea of a solo Black Widow film. The character has been well-introduced in Iron Man 2, and should get a further push in the Avengers film. I like the idea of a secret agent/spy format. Natasha working on asssignment for S.H.I.E.L.D. makes good sense (perhaps a larger role for Samuel L. Jackson this time). Sure hope they go forward with this Black Widow idea. Best regards, Madelow.

[psylockolussus]

The lack of comments is uninspiring.

Black Widow should get a solo origin-movie! and so is Hawkeye!

[DrCosmic]

Excellent post. A few thoughts:

1) The examples you selected were either TV, only moderately successful or from another era, in additoin to being done by top notch creators who also have an interest in female heroines. That's a tall order. Better examples would be the surge of female spy action of late. Salt and the upcoming Haywire. These things show a modern audience can handle and enjoy female spies. Still, keep in mind these are not runaway successes, and they'll be budgeted and marketed with that in mind.

2) You can't nullify skeptics with mere logic, unfortunately. Just because something 'can' work doesn't mean that it 'will' and that's a big deal to someone with 120M to lose. They have to be nullified with truth: this *does* work. Spy films are (almost?) always successful, with the longest running movie franchise being a spy one. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but that's just an example.

2) I'm not buying ex-KGB as her storyline in the present day, since that operation closed down, at least officially, in 1991. So she'd have to be, what, 35, if she was with them at age 15? She doesn't looks 35 and they don't recruit 15 year olds. Too much of a stretch. You'd have to have some sort of quasi-fictional russian organization, even if it's strongly based on the KGB, even if you give it that name, you have to come up with some believable storyline why it's still running.

3) A good story might be her infiltrating AIM, with her principal foe being MODOK. It might be interesting. Which means, if you go with a whole russian background organization, that has to tie in with AIM. Perhaps the same organization? Could be interesting. It'll be even more interesting to see how they handle her emotional storyline. Usually betrayal and killing a loved one are involved. In the comics, she was married to Alexi Shaskatov, the Red Guardian, and so the idea of her thinking he's dead, only to find out he's MODOK's brainwashed enforcer whom she has to kill before taking down the mad scientist... that could be pretty heavy. What do you think?

4) It's good to include SHIELD in the supporting cast, but also important to isolate female heroines since so often when a male hero is on screen, the female tends to be overshadowed. It's also a good place to introduce SHIELD members who aren't featured in the Avengers.

5) Again, great thread.

[Pinky021]

It will be nice, but I'd like to keep it tied to the MCU, and bring Hawkeye on board,, and perhaps other heroes...

[DrCosmic]

There's a difference between it being tied to the MCU and it having the whole MCU in it. I could see Hawkeye, but everyone else has no business in a story focused on Black Widow.

[Cheshire1996]

Bucky? If they do go ahead with a solo for Black Widow be interesting if they explored her past, they've shown us how Cap came to be Cap, how Ironman came to be Ironman, personally I would love to see how Black Widow came to be Black Widow. I think including too many other heroes would take away from the aspect of it being a solo film for Widow, but Bucky could have a rightful role, as could Hawkeye.

Of course, it is post Avengers, so they might not go with the backstory, but I think it's a great idea. Especially seeing as they seem to have films for all the main characters they plan to use in the Avengers besides Widow and Hawkeye.

[DrCosmic]

^Yeah, it'd have to have flashbacks and work her origin into the story I think, but I'm sure it's not going to be set before Avengers.

[Cheshire1996]

That would confuzzled people I think. Flashbacks would work, especially if they were bringing back characters from her past...as they seem to do :D

But, yes, I'd go to see a Black Widow film if it was released. I think it would just be downright cool to have separate films for all of the characters, even if they add Hawkeye into a Black Widow film as a prominent character/love interest/partner/whatever works with the plot.

[Silvermoth]

I'ld love to see a Black Widow movie. Crazy thought, Sofia Coppola managed to get Scarlett to emote in 'Lost in Translation'. Wonder if she would be interested in a dark gritty Black Widow origin?

It doesn't even have to be an origin. It could be about a mission with a few flashbacks.

[marcvader]

I would prefer Black Widow be paired with either Hawkeye or be part of SHIELD and feature Coulson, Hill, and/or Fury.

[cherokeesam]

I would prefer Black Widow be paired with either Hawkeye or be part of SHIELD and feature Coulson, Hill, and/or Fury.

And Sharon Carter. :)

[Nave 'Torment']

It could work well if they focus on how she gets recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm hoping to see AIM in it as well? What were some of the more significant story-arcs in the comics?

[OsGom]

I like what i'm seeing here. Natasha is a GREAT character and deserves her own film. However, it might be more plausible to roll her out in a Black Widow vs. SHIELD type story where she is forced to go rogue, perhaps as a double double agent of sorts. Similar to her story in Earth's Mightiest. It still incorporates current continuity and allows Fury and Barton to be featured and explored as well. As she eludes pursuit we explore her character and history. We could still keep the Aim/Modok/Red Guardian angle. I think that works well.

[Nave 'Torment']

One of the obstacles a movie like this will face, though, is the fact that people will be comparing it with SALT.

[marcvader]

I like what i'm seeing here. Natasha is a GREAT character and deserves her own film. However, it might be more plausible to roll her out in a Black Widow vs. SHIELD type story where she is forced to go rogue, perhaps as a double double agent of sorts. Similar to her story in Earth's Mightiest. It still incorporates current continuity and allows Fury and Barton to be featured and explored as well. As she eludes pursuit we explore her character and history. We could still keep the Aim/Modok/Red Guardian angle. I think that works well.

Yeah, I could see a "The Fugitive" type of movie with SHIELD and KGB after her.

[OsGom]

One of the obstacles a movie like this will face, though, is the fact that people will be comparing it with SALT.

I don't know if that is an obstacle or a benefit. I would be concerned if Salt had sucked.

[Nave 'Torment']

Salt was a good blockbuster movie. But it was also very generic, especially when you consider spy-stories and the such. The best part of it was the final act when things became unpredictable, so that's a good thing. But the rest of the movie had that all-too-familiar "hero vs. former-agency-who-knows-everything-about-me" vibe. Just sayin.

[Nave 'Torment']

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VYIOSuEwTRQ/TFq-moJ-pxI/AAAAAAAAByY/qS_KtcZW7_Y/s512/Black-Widow-6-Variant-Cover-JScottCampbell-i4-sh.jpg
(S. Campbell)

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/77/76799-69832-black-widow_super.jpg
http://cdn.comicartfans.com/Images/Category_26772/subcat_60845/AH%202008%20Black%20Widow.JPG
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkq9m49DpK1qcds6zo1_500.jpg

[Nave 'Torment']

They could go a number of ways with the solo film. Thing about Black Widow is that she's the sort of character who dwells the world of espionage and conspiracies. Even if you set the film solely within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you can always add in a backstory to HYDRA. Maybe both Hawkeye and Black Widow were, instead of KGB, former HYDRA members? It gives the writers some opportunity to follow-up on what we've seen in The First Avenger, but at the same time if they wish to explore a more realistic setting, the less jazzy HYDRA under Baronstuckler (this guy http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/41/Baronstrucker.png
) could add some sense of how the organisation has fallen form its glory days under the Red Skull. Keeping their reappearance as a central plot, we could go to flashbacks where BW is recruited by SHIELD, and what that means to her in the current story (set post Avengers maybe?)

In addition to all that, I would love to see a more thorough look at the Black Widow character as she's been published, heck even bring on the original golden age version as a possible antagonist: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b3/Black-Widow.jpg Her name is 'Claire Voyant' (believe it) and she was one of the first female superpowered crime-fighters in the Golden Age. In addition to that, she was a touch Satanic and killed off guy guys for Lucifer to consume in the afterlife (before they repent that is).

Romanova's plight as she discovers her past returning to plague the present can also be made a touch more emotional with her one-time hubby, the ex-Russian pilot and super-soldier, "Red Guardian".

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Avengers-43.jpg

The possibilities are all there, we just need to figure out how to tackle her crazy past with the timeline of a post-Avengers story. I'd like the story to go forwards so as not simply be a linear "Black Widow gets recruited by SHIELD" story, but be more than that. I don't think people would want a prequel with this. But most importantly, and this sets the tone of the entire movie, it should be a conspiracy story set in contemporary times.

[Nave 'Torment']

To round off the posts, I've been reading a few headlines on exactly what the Russian Espionage Ring is like post-Cold War. The results are a bit alarming and at the same time conflicting:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Soviet_and_Russian_espionage_in_the_Uni ted_States#Post-Soviet_period

If read the wiki entry on the Post-Soviet espionage, we see that the the spies are actually more powerfully integrated into foreign nations. With globalisation and a political hegemony contrasting with multi-cultural trade, the spy culture seems to be more immersed into international politics than ever before. Remember Ridley Scott's Body of Lies (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758774/combined)?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/30/world/europe/30spy.html

Next up we have this article by NY Times telling us that spies are way to blended and that it's inherently meaningless to fret about such a thing in this day and age where political transparency is at an all-time high. Good stuff from a national paper, you actually want to feel safe right? I'm sure we can come up with some conspiracy theories on how this is not the case.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/01/russian-spy-ring-russia

UK's The Guardian, on the other hand, reports a more cautionary article on an alleged "spy-ring" in the US of A. This trial places Russian spies at an almost neighbourhood-level, where even the people at the PTA are agents working with a cohesive motive. I know this doesn't make for good action stories, but the suggestion that Russian spies are dwelling in the suburbs as active agents, integrated so well into American society that they are invisible, adds a sense of realism and drama to the tale.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/10/21/russian-espionage-still-threat-british-agent-tells-uk-court/

The last thing I'm gonna bore you guys with is FoxNews' report on this 26-year-old Russian babe threatening British political stability by effecting both NATO and a 65-year-old lib.dem. for info that she sent back to her Kremlin superiors. If that's not classic spy forte, with a touch of sexy and a hint of online-Freudian-Slips, I dunno what is.

Just food for thought guys. I think the BW script can really work out if enough people believe in it. The material almost writes itself.

[GoldGoblin]

People would not like a solo movie of BW,she is just eye candy,too much candy will make you sick.

[kedrell]

I'ld love to see a Black Widow movie. Crazy thought, Sofia Coppola managed to get Scarlett to emote in 'Lost in Translation'. Wonder if she would be interested in a dark gritty Black Widow origin?

It doesn't even have to be an origin. It could be about a mission with a few flashbacks.


You do realize that BW as a character isn't all that much of an emoter. She's a hard-ass/uber-professional who's in control at all times. The last thing I want to see is a sobby Black Widow.

[marcvader]

Maybe the comment was made to illustrate how good she is? Scarlet leaves a lot to be desired in the acting department.

[Nave 'Torment']

Actually, bad-assery comes with some emotion as well. Without a connection with the character, the audience will feel... well... just too alienated. In a bad way.

[Silvermoth]

You do realize that BW as a character isn't all that much of an emoter. She's a hard-ass/uber-professional who's in control at all times. The last thing I want to see is a sobby Black Widow.

Maybe the comment was made to illustrate how good she is? Scarlet leaves a lot to be desired in the acting department.
This.

Clearly I wasn't asking for a sobbing Black Widow. Just one who has more than one facial expression.

[cherokeesam]

You do realize that BW as a character isn't all that much of an emoter. She's a hard-ass/uber-professional who's in control at all times. The last thing I want to see is a sobby Black Widow.


You clearly haven't read much Daredevil.

Black Widow in a Daredevil comic book is almost pure soap opera/ broken-hearted romance/ softcore porn. Every frickin' time.

[DrCosmic]

No one is a hard-tail emoter all the time. A character that never emotes is either in a tense artistic drama, surrounded by colorful characters that the audience can care about, or the movie is supposed to be a mindless guy action movie like Transporter.

So, yeah, she's going to have an emotional life. Hopefully it'll be balanced somewhere between the extremes.

[Nave 'Torment']

We're also hoping for an adaptation. So yeah, softcore pornstars can finally have something to work with other than ... well you get the idea.

[fixxxer1022]

Black Widow and Hawkeye should get a solo movie after The Avengers.


i don't think anyone would be interested. what we need is a hulk sequel.

[Nave 'Torment']

Hulk would be a different kind of movie altogether. We could use another Hulk, but plans for that seems to be minimal, what with talks of a TV series and all.

[CB Fan]

Have any of you read 'Black Widow: Deadly Origin' it shows that she's more than just a 'stone cold' emotionless character. I don't think it could fully work in the MCU but it was a good read and having someone out to kill everyone who Widow has ever been close to could make for an interesting film.

[Ultra Lantern]

Black Widow and Hawkeye should get a solo movie after The Avengers.
I agree with you on this.

[OsGom]

I'm going to bump this thread right now! Based on the first few minutes of The Avengers alone and everything that followed, there should be no doubt they could center a really good bondesque espionage film on this character and also no doubt that Scarjo could carry it! She and Ruffalo really stood out in The Avengers to me.

Natasha is a GREAT character and deserves her own film. However, it might be more plausible to roll her out in a Black Widow vs. SHIELD type story where she is forced to go rogue, perhaps as a double double agent of sorts. Similar to her story in Earth's Mightiest. It still incorporates current continuity and allows Fury and Barton to be featured and explored as well. As she eludes pursuit we explore her character and history. We could still keep the Aim/Modok/Red Guardian angle. I think that works well.

[DrCosmic]

Yeah, she definitely should get her own film. It'd be cool if she was inserted into an enemy organization (Hydra or AIM) and had that whole thing going. I'd love to see her in her own film, really, really would. Of course, Joss would need to direct it, imho.

[Silvermoth]

You really need to talk about the characters which should appear in her film first though. Like who is her antoganist? Which of her origins is the best to adapt?

Madame Hydra would be an interesting one. You could save Baron von Strucker for the Shield movie. If they could get Angelina Jolie for Madame Hydra...oh my god way. Angelina and Scarlett in a movie together would be so kick ass.

[Captain Marvel]

Just because the KGB's been defunct for 20 years doesn't mean she still can't be a Russian agent. She'll just be ex-GRU instead. And for the record, Black Widow does in fact have powers. She's the Russian version of Captain America.

Artificially Enhanced Physiology: Natasha has received the Red Room's variant of the Super-Soldier Serum. As a result, many of her body's physical capabilities have been heightened to the peak of human ability.

Peak Human Strength: Her physical strength is heightened to a level that is beyond the natural physical limits of a woman of her height, weight and build. She is capable of lifting up to 500 lbs.


Peak Human Speed: Her speed is also enhanced to the peak of human capability. Natasha is as fast as a human can be without being classified as superhuman.


Peak Human Agility: Natasha's natural agility is heightened to the peak of human capability. She is as agile as a human being can be without being classified as superhuman.


Peak Human Reflexes: Her reaction time is similarly enhanced and functions with the peak of human efficiency and capability.


Peak Human Durability: Natasha's bodily tissues have been augmented to the pinnacle of human development. Though she can be injured in the typical ways other humans can be, she is as physically tough as a human being can be without being classified as superhuman.


Peak Human Senses: Her five senses are enhanced and function at peak of human perfection.


Peak Human Immune System: While she is susceptible to disease like all other ordinary humans, her ability to resist and recover from them is heightened to the peak of human capability.


Extended Longevity: The serum variant has also extended her lifespan by dramatically slowing her natural aging process. Although she is almost 70 years old, she has the youthful appearance and vitality of a woman in the physical prime of her life.
So taking the last bit into account, she can in fact be an ex-KGB member. Personally I think it'd be pretty neat if they did include that in the movie's backstory and make her 70 years old. It'd be great if they included that bit from her backstory where Captain America saved her as a child as well as her decades long romance with the Winter Soldier.

[Captain Marvel]

You really need to talk about the characters which should appear in her film first though. Like who is her antoganist? Which of her origins is the best to adapt?

They could use her husband the Red Guardian, the Soviet version of Captain America.

[OsGom]

She mentioned Hawkeye sparing her life. They could delve a little more into her dark past.

Viper and maybe a Hydra version of the Serpent Soceity?

[psylockolussus]

She mentioned Hawkeye sparing her life. They could delve a little more into her dark past.

Yeah I know! Especially with the success that the Avengers is getting.

An $80 million budget movie for both Black Widow and Hawkeye wouldn't be a gamble for them to make.

[DrCosmic]

Yeah, Black Widow clearly doesn't have any of those powers in the films. She and Hawkeye are clearly peak human while Cap is clearly enhanced.

You really need to talk about the characters which should appear in her film first though. Like who is her antoganist? Which of her origins is the best to adapt?

Madame Hydra would be an interesting one. You could save Baron von Strucker for the Shield movie. If they could get Angelina Jolie for Madame Hydra...oh my god way. Angelina and Scarlett in a movie together would be so kick ass.

I think Hyrda, in its entirety should be saved for Captain America. They are, in movie terms, Captain America villains, and seeing their evolution as his antagonists would be more rewarding than passing them around.

I think, since we met her infiltrating a company, making AIM (ostensibly a private corporation at first) and MODOK specifically her antagonist could be interesting. You could tie together MODOK, and his creation with possibly Pym, or whatever Edgar Wright does that can be used in the modern day, and just... keep going with it. Could be cool. Especially if George Tarleton (MODOK pre-MODOK) had a hand in her conditioning.

Based on her lines in the film, I believe they went with the second origin for her, where she was trained as an agent from pre-puberty. Obviously, her husband/failed/thought dead Super soldier, the Red Guardian (probably on that aggressive stuff Blonsky was on). He'll double as an assisting antagonist and the love interest. Plenty of AIM mooks. I think including Super Adaptoid might be a good movie too, perhaps as the 'big invention', a robot that copies moves, with enough nanobots to perhaps copy devices and weapons as well. Could be interesting.

If she's infiltrating AIM, then other AIM characters, some sympathetic and some not so much should be involved. Monica Rappacini could be a great CEO character, or just stick with George Clinton. Somewhere in my head I see them experimenting on children and teenagers, perhaps young versions of Spider-Woman, Lifeform and Protcyde are being held in detention cells, which might be an interesting way to get at Black Widow's maternal side as she tries to get these kids with powers out, which she identifies with from her childhood in training, while still completing her mission.

Another fun twist might be that AIM has to steal something from SHIELD, perhaps an old Hydra Canister of Cosmic Cube energy in order to power Super Adaptoid, and Natasha has to help to keep her cover, and then cover that she has easy access to SHIELD anyway, as well as fight Maria Hill and maybe even Hawkeye. Could be fun.

Basically, instead of trying to create some sort of normal life for her, make all the people in her intelligence life interesting and part of her emotional life.

[cherokeesam]

I'd love to see more of the Widow, including her backstory, but I'm not entirely sure a full solo movie is the way to go. Instead, I'd prefer to see a catch-all SHIELD movie centering on Fury, Natasha, Hawkeye, Coulson and Hill, with some other cameos from SHIELD in the comics.

I'm not that big on the idea of seeing solo films for characters who are traditionally "team players" who never really headlined their own titles (at least for more than a few issues). Ant-Man, Black Widow and Hawkeye are some of the ones I'm thinking about. (Although it looks more and more like Ant-Man is about to become the real deal, so by god, if Hank Pym can get his own joint, Natasha can, too.)

[natey2k4]

I'd love to see more of the Widow, including her backstory, but I'm not entirely sure a full solo movie is the way to go. Instead, I'd prefer to see a catch-all SHIELD movie centering on Fury, Natasha, Hawkeye, Coulson and Hill, with some other cameos from SHIELD in the comics.

I'm not that big on the idea of seeing solo films for characters who are traditionally "team players" who never really headlined their own titles (at least for more than a few issues). Ant-Man, Black Widow and Hawkeye are some of the ones I'm thinking about. (Although it looks more and more like Ant-Man is about to become the real deal, so by god, if Hank Pym can get his own joint, Natasha can, too.)
Hawkeye has definitely had some runs as his own character. A lot more than the others.

I would be fine with a movie just titled;
Black Widow & Hawkeye

Or even rip off X-Men and go with;

Marvel's The Avengers Origins
Black Widow & Hawkeye

As for the plot?

***AVENGERS SPOILERS***

I'd want it to be a prequel centering around when Black Widow was bad and Hawkeye was sent to stop her. After a long (awesome) battle, Hawkeye overcomes the entire enemy including the Black Widow, and choosing not to kill her. You could easily include Nick Fury and Agent Coulson in the film -- maybe Maria Hill (although I think she'd be better off saved going forward) if you really wanted.

[Oberon sexton]

They should definitely give this a try, it'd be great if they dug up the old David Hayter script. I love all that cold war stuff and I think it jives pretty well with Natasha's past and character.

[marcvader]

I'd be cool with a Black Widow & Hawkeye movie. When would it be made? That would be the issue, too many other properties I'd rather see.

[natey2k4]

I'd be cool with a Black Widow & Hawkeye movie. When would it be made? That would be the issue, too many other properties I'd rather see.
To be frank, they could probably make it along with the other films. A Black Widow and Hawkeye movie probably could be done a far smaller budget than the other films.

[psylockolussus]

Make this movie happen!

It will totally be better than Catwoman and Elektra!

[ericadawn16]

I'm kind of curious what her movie origins are. In the comic book, she ensnared Hawkeye into her plans before going good but then, in the film, she makes it seem like they didn't meet until he spared her.

However, she could have been lying and then that list Loki had, including an orphanage?

It would also be awesome to have some flashback Coulson, maybe even more action like A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer since he started off as a Ranger.

[ComicChick]

i basically want Budapest: the movie

natasha revealed to banner that she was recruited very very young. i want to see this, i want to see the grit, and show us some of the red in her ledger
tell it in flashbacks, or intro to movie or whatever, but we need to see that she's actually done a lot of damage in the past to atone for

then progress to where hawkeye is sent to take her out. develop it from there, super huge mission in budapest as the big hurrah and maybe end it with her taking that job where she ends up tied to the chair at the beginning of avengers

just my two cents

[Hawkingbird]

Can we please have more of the comic's BW. I mean, I'm assuming this will be released after Cap 2, and hopefully we'll get Winter Soldier. I want James and Natasha together please, no more Black Widow and Hawkeye, little do the movieverse fans know that that is VERY old news :o

[cherokeesam]

i basically want Budapest: the movie

natasha revealed to banner that she was recruited very very young. i want to see this, i want to see the grit, and show us some of the red in her ledger
tell it in flashbacks, or intro to movie or whatever, but we need to see that she's actually done a lot of damage in the past to atone for

then progress to where hawkeye is sent to take her out. develop it from there, super huge mission in budapest as the big hurrah and maybe end it with her taking that job where she ends up tied to the chair at the beginning of avengers

just my two cents

I'd like to see a "History of SHIELD," period. That includes what you said, but also how Fury put the organization together, how it evolved during the Cold War and after, maybe pit them against a reborn HYDRA, give us some more Coulson (without having to literally resurrect him), and take the story right on up to "We're putting together a team."

[ComicChick]

that could be cool

Coulson could be in a Black Widow backstory/origins like movie as well. he could come in sort of like he did with Iron Man and make a proposal of recruiting her for shield

[ericadawn16]

I'm down for anything that gives me more Coulson.

:yay:

I am intrigued by the three of them though. They seemed really close.

[jaqua99]

I'd love to see more of the Widow, including her backstory, but I'm not entirely sure a full solo movie is the way to go. Instead, I'd prefer to see a catch-all SHIELD movie centering on Fury, Natasha, Hawkeye, Coulson and Hill, with some other cameos from SHIELD in the comics.

I'm not that big on the idea of seeing solo films for characters who are traditionally "team players" who never really headlined their own titles (at least for more than a few issues). Ant-Man, Black Widow and Hawkeye are some of the ones I'm thinking about. (Although it looks more and more like Ant-Man is about to become the real deal, so by god, if Hank Pym can get his own joint, Natasha can, too.)


I am with you on this one. and LOL at your antman comment

[Chronoless]

I think they should combine black widow with Hawkeye and Shield.

[marcvader]

She-male SHIELD agents is pushing it. The GA will not have it.

[Angamb]

I saw Ironman 2 yesterday, for the third time since the releaase...

and really liked Black widows part.

I want more from her on next movies. I find her a really interesting character that we dont have much info about, in fact that's what makes her interesting

[Hawkingbird]

And Mockingbird :o

[DarknessOfDeath]

So Im working on a story that takes place in the Marvel Comic Universe... Been at it for a month and then today I opened it up even more to how the story would be set and went with the idea of it being set in a Universe that Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Captain America, Nick Fury, Agent Coulson and Maria Hill exist. And I'm talking about the movieverse too. But the most notable characters that will be in it since this has S.H.I.E.L.D in it are Maria Hill (who will be more involved in the story) with appearances of Nick Fury and Agent Coulson who will show up at the end. This story takes place prior to The Avengers. And yes, Im considering that the hilocopter appears but not until the very end. Some of the Avengers will appear but only briefly.

I had an idea and this was before I decided to open it up even further, to do a story that involves Maria Hill and a fellow S.H.I.E.L.D agent after I saw the Avengers. And then the idea of having the story take place in the Comic Universe gave me the idea of combining that story with Hill into the story I am currently working on. So... ha.. hit two birds with one stone. :)

[Hawkingbird]

I'm assuming you read the comics :)?

[DarknessOfDeath]

Uh...I think I know enough to write this. also, it may add a little more to the character of Maria Hill, whom I'm still getting to know. All I know is that she's second in command of S.H.I.E.L.D and at one point, she takes over Fury's part when he goes rogue but she's still getting orders from him regardless.

... If it weren't for the movies, I probably wouldn't have like gone back and look up everything comic wise on the wiki. Wiki is your friend. Mind you, I've grown up knowing about the Marvel Comic Universe as a kid. I don't know everything but I know enough as it is. :)

Well if anyone is interested in hearing my ideas so far...PM me or something.

[natey2k4]

Just give me a Black Widow & Hawkeye film.

It's going to make money and the best part is that you could probably make the film on a much smaller budget than any of the big-name superheroes.

Especially if you add either 1) a new superhero that's yet to be in the franchise or 2) have a cameo by one of the superheroes currently in the film and market it as such.

[cherokeesam]

Just give me a Black Widow & Hawkeye film.

It's going to make money and the best part is that you could probably make the film on a much smaller budget than any of the big-name superheroes.

Especially if you add either 1) a new superhero that's yet to be in the franchise or 2) have a cameo by one of the superheroes currently in the film and market it as such.

I wouldn't be opposed to that. Originally, the grand plan was that Marvel would also make smaller (30 million budget) movies in addition to the two tentpoles (150+ million) per year, but we haven't seen any further discussion of those "smaller" films yet.

'Course, The Sun just reported that ScarJo was going to make 20 million off Avengers and/or Avengers 2, so that would likely eat up your budget right there. So....yeah

[I'm Venom]

They should just put Black Widow and Hawkeye in a movie together and let Whedon direct it.

[natey2k4]

I wouldn't be opposed to that. Originally, the grand plan was that Marvel would also make smaller (30 million budget) movies in addition to the two tentpoles (150+ million) per year, but we haven't seen any further discussion of those "smaller" films yet.

'Course, The Sun just reported that ScarJo was going to make 20 million off Avengers and/or Avengers 2, so that would likely eat up your budget right there. So....yeah
Even if the biggest parts of the budget were in salary to Renner, ScarJo, Jackson and Gregg, I still don't see the need for a big budget -- especially if the villian's aren't some crazy CGI stuff. The only crazy stuff you'd need is for Hawkeye's trick arrows.

A Black Widow & Hawkeye movie could probably be made with a $75M budget (including salaries) and still be very good. Especially since Renner and ScarJo have pretty big names at this point of the game (especially with Renner's Bourne movie coming out).

I very much doubt it makes the amount of money of an Iron Man or Avengers flick, but there is no question in my mind that could make $200M domestically.

Look at a movie like Serenity - it only needed a $40M budget. Still can't believe that flopped, but you can make a great movie on a small budget.

[KangConquers]

I think I'd like to see a Black Widow solo film more than a Catch all S.H.I.E.L.D. film, which would just be "Avengers without Superheroes". Hawkeye and Fury would still be in it, but I think BW should be the main protag.

Basically the Budapest movie.

[I'm Venom]

I know the perfect way to set up the movie. Remember that opening interrogation scene...well, why not follow up that storyline since it didn't get finished?