Will there be a 'Black Widow' Film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Hello, fellow moviegoers!
   Captain America: Civil War is currently breaking records in theaters worldwide as people everywhere are lining up to see their favorite superheroes duke it out on the big screen. Simultaneously receiving glowing reviews and tons of box office revenue, Civil War has already become one of the most successful films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans cannot get enough of the likes of both Captain America and Iron Man, but there has been one character that has been constantly there throughout their individual films and Avengers team-ups; that’s Natasha Romanoff, otherwise known as the Black Widow.
   Black Widow is one of the more interesting characters Marvel has introduced to us, mainly because they’re so secretive about her backstory. We’ve been given a few hints throughout the Avengers films but nothing really of substance. This lack of a backstory has some fans calling for a Black Widow standalone film during Marvel’s Phase 4. Based upon a recent interview, their demands might be met sooner rather than later.

   In an interview with Deadline, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige had this to say on current characters getting their own films.

“Of the characters that you’ve just mentioned I would say certainly the one creatively and emotionally that we are most committing to doing is Black Widow” ... “She’s a lead Avenger and has amazing stories in her own right to tell that we think would be fun to turn into a stand-alone franchise.”

   So Marvel has definitely heard their fan base’s cry, but is a Black Widow film really one that needs to be made? Personally, I believe the answer is no. Not because she isn’t an interesting character, but because there are so many other characters Marvel could be introducing. The Marvel Universe is huge, and it still has room to grow to enormity. Marvel knows that; they currently have 12 movies set for release between now and 2021, and nine of those films have titles. If Marvel wants to keep building their universe and keep audiences interested, they have to keep it full steam ahead, which means they need to be constantly expanding.
   Having a Black Widow film to explore her background could, in my opinion, be a great film. However, it'd be a waste of a slot that could be used for a new character. They need to expand the universe, not shrink it. I’d love to see an in-depth look at Black Widow’s history. I just don’t believe they need to take an entire film to do so. It’s been proven time and time again that she works well when put into other characters’ solo films. Why not explore her backstory in one of those? They'll have plenty of time to do so during the two Infinity War films, why not do it then?
   I acknowledge the argument that Marvel is currently a "Boy’s Club", with all of their major franchises being based upon their popular male characters. I'm sure they want to have more superheroine films, but I argue doing a Black Widow movie instead of another Marvel superheroine would be a waste of time. We already know who Natasha Romanoff is. Yes, she has a mysterious backstory, but that’s part of what makes her character so great. Marvel has already announced a Captain Marvel film, which is encouraging, but at that point in time it’ll still be a 14:1 male to female ratio (and that’s being generous by not including the Avengers films, Guardians of the Galaxy, or Ant-Man and The Wasp).
   If Marvel truly wants to make their cinematic universe gender-equal, they need to introduce more female superheroes, not just tell us more about the few we already have. They could do She-Hulk, Tigra, or even a Squirrel Girl movie. Just do something! If you actually sit down and try to think of Marvel Superheroines, not including the X-Men or Fantastic Four, it’s extremely difficult. That’s one way that Marvel fails where DC succeeds. Before you start calling me a “DC Fanboy”, think about it. There’s Catwoman, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Supergirl, Black Canary, Starfire, Zatanna, Vixen, Hawkgirl, and even Mera. There are so many you can think of right off the top of your head. If Marvel wants to stay ahead of DC in this battle of superhero films, they need to start focusing on their women. If not, DC may beat them to the punch.

   So what do you think? Would you like to see a Black Widow movie? Let me know by commenting on this post! Also, if you enjoyed this article, share it on Facebook and Twitter. It really helps! Don’t forget, I post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so check back then for more movie reviews and miscellaneous movie thoughts!