The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was right not to include a romance between Black Widow and the Winter Soldier, given the changes in character arcs from the comics. Steve Rogers fulfills the emotional role for both characters in the MCU, which would have made it difficult to include their romance. The MCU version of Natasha differs significantly from her comics character, while Bucky’s relationship with Steve is also different in film from the comics. Changes made to Bucky’s character in The First Avenger may have been the beginning of this change, making it difficult to include their romance. Trying to include Bucky and Natasha’s romance would have overcrowded the MCU, as Steve Rogers already fulfilled that emotional role for both characters. Nonetheless, fans can still enjoy the unique relationships that exist in the MCU between Natasha and Steve and between Bucky and Steve, each with their own emotional and platonic bonds.
Why the MCU Didn’t Feature Black Widow and Winter Soldier’s Romance
While some fans were disappointed that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) didn’t include a romance between Black Widow and the Winter Soldier, the decision not to do so was probably the right one. Despite the fact that many still hope to see the iconic comic book romance between Bucky Barnes and Natasha Romanoff on the big screen, the two characters’ stories have been altered in the MCU, making their relationship arcs different than in the comics.
Differences Between Black Widow and Winter Soldier’s Relationships in the MCU and Comics
The MCU version of Natasha has some fundamental differences from the comics character. Her strongest bond on-screen is her platonic friendship with Captain America, which doesn’t exist in the comics. On the other hand, in the comics, Hawkeye and Natasha are romantically involved, but on film, their relationship is platonic. In many ways, Natasha in the MCU took on qualities from Sharon Carter in the comics, playing a key role as a SHIELD agent who helps bring Steve Rogers into the modern day. As such, Steve also serves as an emotional support system for Natasha.
Similarly, Bucky’s relationship with Steve is different in the MCU compared to the comics. In the original comics, Bucky was a younger sidekick figure to Captain America, always in the supportive sidekick role. He was a tragic figure from Steve’s past and was resurrected as the Winter Soldier. In the MCU, however, Bucky is Steve’s childhood friend of the same age, who played a supportive and watchful role to Cap pre-serum. While Bucky’s death weighs on Steve, it is not used as a primary motivator for him in the modern-day like it was in the comics.
Given these differences in character arcs, it would have been difficult to include the romance between Black Widow and the Winter Soldier even if the MCU had wanted to. Plus, Natasha’s death in Avengers: Endgame and Bucky’s current direction in film and TV make it unlikely that fans will ever see the beloved comic book romance on screen. Nonetheless, fans can still appreciate the unique relationships that exist in the MCU between Natasha and Steve and between Bucky and Steve, each with their own emotional and platonic bonds.
Why Black Widow and Winter Soldier’s Romance Wasn’t in the MCU
In the comics, Bucky Barnes and Natasha Romanoff shared a romance, but in the MCU, it was never included. The reason for this is that the films altered the characters’ arcs from the comics, making it difficult to include their romance.
Steve Rogers as Emotional Support for Both Natasha and Bucky
In the MCU, Steve Rogers serves as the emotional support for both Natasha and Bucky, filling the role that they played for each other in the comics. Cap serves as the one who helps Natasha overcome her tragic past and embrace a new life, while also being the person who saves Bucky from his past as the Winter Soldier. As such, there was not much room for Natasha and Bucky to have their comics romance.
Changes Made to Bucky’s Character
The alteration of Bucky’s character in The First Avenger may have been the beginning of this change. The film altered Bucky to make more sense in the modern era, which changed his relationship with Steve. Their on-screen friendship soon eclipsed their dynamics with other characters in the comics, including Bucky’s romance with Natasha.
Overcrowding the MCU
Trying to include Bucky and Natasha’s romance would have overcrowded the MCU. Steve Rogers already fulfilled that emotional role for both characters in a platonic way. Forcing in their comics romance could have felt awkward and unnatural, as many fans felt about the kiss between Steve and Sharon Carter in Civil War. The Winter Soldier and Black Widow romance would likely have felt the same.
In the end, the decision not to include Black Widow and Winter Soldier’s romance in the MCU was probably the right one. The films’ altered character arcs and the need to keep the storyline focused on the main characters made it difficult to include their relationship. Fans can still enjoy the unique relationships that exist in the MCU between Natasha and Steve and between Bucky and Steve, each with their own emotional and platonic bonds.
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