How Black Widow's Post Credits Scene Sets Up the Hawkeye Miniseries

How Black Widow’s Post-Credits Scene Sets Up the Hawkeye Miniseries

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re discussing how Black Widow’s post-credits scene sets up the Hawkeye miniseries.

In case you haven’t seen “Black Widow” or several other recent entries in the MCU, this is your spoiler warning.

What did you think of “Black Widow?” Are you hyped for “Hawkeye?” Let us know in the comments.

In addition to being her first solo movie and a prequel of sorts, “Black Widow” is a bittersweet farewell for Natasha Romanoff. With the multiverse being teased for several upcoming projects, it’s entirely possible that we’ll see Scarlett Johansson suit up again. Maybe she’ll play Natasha from an alternate reality or perhaps time travel will enter the mix. In any case, “Black Widow” doesn’t retcon the sacrifice she made on Vormir in “Avengers: Endgame.” If the film’s post-credits scene is any indication, Natasha’s end will significantly shape Hawkeye’s future.

Although Tony Stark got a tear-jerking funeral, some fans were frustrated that Natasha didn’t receive a similar sendoff. At the end of “Black Widow,” we get to see Natasha’s secluded memorial. Covered with gifts and decorations, it’s clear that Natasha was mourned by her fellow heroes. The grave is presumably empty, though, as Clint Barton wasn’t able to reclaim her body from Vormir upon obtaining the Soul Stone.

Following the events of “Endgame,” Yelena Belova visits her sister’s grave… dressed as Cher Horowitz? Well, Yelena just recently started buying her own clothes. Considering that “Clueless” came out the same year that she left Ohio (1995), it makes sense that Yelena would model her wardrobe after Alicia Silverstone. Speaking of actors who rose to superstardom in the 90s, Yelena is soon joined by Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Fontaine made her MCU debut in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” where she recruited John Walker. Following his short-lived stint as Captain America, Fontaine gave him the new moniker of U.S. Agent. This wasn’t intended to be Fontaine’s introduction, however. Due to delays caused by the pandemic, Marvel was forced to shift their release schedule around. Originally, Fontaine would’ve made her first appearance in “Black Widow’s” post-credits scene. Since “Black Widow” is the first feature in Phase Four, Fontaine’s presence mirrors Nick Fury’s surprise cameo at the conclusion of “Iron Man.” Will Fontaine be the next Fury or a devious foe, though?

In the comics, Fontaine serves as the leader of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Femme Force, developing a complicated dynamic with Sharon Carter and a romantic relationship with Nick Fury. After becoming the new Madame Hydra, Fontaine is seemingly revealed to be a double agent. As it turns out, she’s a triple agent. Fontaine betrays Hydra to deliver an artifact known as the Box to Leviathan, a Soviet terrorist group. Fontaine’s Russian background gives her a potential link to Yelena, although her MCU history is still unfolding.

While Fontaine remains a mysterious player, we can safely say that Yelena is now working for her. In the post-credits scene, Fontaine gives Yelena her next assignment. Handing her a photo of Clint Barton, Fontaine identifies him as the one responsible for Natasha’s death. Of course, we all know that Clint did everything in his power to take Natasha’s place on Vormir. Clint held on for dear life until he was finally given no choice but to let Natasha go. It’s possible that Fontaine has been feeding Yelena a different story, however. Maybe Fontaine led Yelena to believe that Clint forced Natasha off the cliff, just as Thanos threw Gamora to her doom.

Even if Yelena knows what really happened, she might be feeling some animosity towards Clint for not saving Natasha. Deep down, Yelena could also be experiencing guilt concerning her sister’s death. Since she wasn’t present in “Endgame,” Yelena may’ve turned to dust along with half of all life in the universe. This would make Natasha’s sacrifice even more personal, giving up her life so her sister could live. If this is indeed the case, a part of Yelena might blame herself for Natasha’s demise. Rather than confront that guilt, though, Yelena could take it out on Clint.

Does that mean Yelena will assassinate Clint in “Hawkeye?” After all, the miniseries is supposed to be a passing of the torch… or the bow and arrow in this case. Clint’s retirement as Hawkeye has been building for a while now. Before turning to his darker Ronin persona in “Endgame,” Clint called his daughter Lila “Hawkeye.” Although this led many to believe that Lila would take up her father’s mantle, the miniseries will focus on Clint mentoring Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld. Since Kate is poised to be the new Hawkeye, the miniseries could mark Clint’s last stand.

It would certainly be a shocking turn of events if Clint died at Yelena’s hands. That said, Marvel just spent an entire film establishing Yelena as a hero. Even if she does target Clint, we have a hard time believing that she’ll go through with it. Whatever awaits, Florence Pugh will return as Yelena in the miniseries, but we still don’t know the extent of her role. Maybe she’ll make a brief cameo, maybe she’ll have an episode-long arc, or maybe she’ll be an integral supporting player throughout. We suspect the series will see Yelena and Clint cope with Natasha’s death, ultimately finding comfort in one another. After all, what is grief if not… eh, you know the gist.

“Hawkeye” may also reveal Fontaine’s true motivations. Between Yelena and John Walker, Fontaine appears to be putting together a team. It’s been theorized that said team is the Thunderbolts, a group of mostly reformed villains. General “Thunderbolt” Ross’ presence in “Black Widow” might be hinting at this as well. Rumors suggest that the MCU’s incarnation of the Thunderbolts could consist of Walker, Yelena, and Zemo. The latter two were both prominent Thunderbolts in the comics, although U.S. Agent got his arm and leg severed by them.

For a period in the comics, Clint Barton becomes the leader of the Thunderbolts. With that in mind, the “Hawkeye” miniseries might not be the end for Clint. Rather, it may be a new beginning, signifying his transition from Avenger to Thunderbolt. Although nobody can take Natasha’s place, the miniseries could also further solidify Yelena’s status as the new Black Widow. As Clint and Yelena ally themselves with the Thunderbolts, Kate Bishop may join up with another team, the Young Avengers.

The ads for “Black Widow” say, “Face the past, reveal the future.” While that future isn’t set in stone, we’re just happy that Yelena will be a part of it. For that reason alone, “Hawkeye” can’t get here soon enough.