Today is Good Friday, for those who celebrate such things. So, it’s fairly fitting that we discuss a sacrifice that saved countless lives and shaped the future of a universe. But on this occasion, Jesus Christ is taking a backseat to Black Widow, and the world we’re talking about is the MCU.
In a three-hour film featuring dozens of characters and serving as the end of a decade-long story that has spanned nearly two dozen features, such as “Avengers: Endgame,” there’s always going to be a debate about what could have been done differently. And one of the more heavily discussed moments of the film is the sacrifice of Black Widow in an exchange for the Soul Stone. Well, as we see in an alternate scene from the film, Natasha Romanoff’s death could have been very, very different. And we’re not sure which is better.
In the finished film, Black Widow is shown discussing who is better served to sacrifice themselves for the Soul Stone on the planet of Vormir. She’s debating with Hawkeye over the decision, leading them to have an altercation, which is ultimately “won” by Natasha, as she falls to her death. This version led many people to be upset over the sacrifice because it felt a bit anticlimactic and a bit out of character. Others saw it as admirable and an emotional end to Black Widow’s story.
However, in the alternate version, you can watch below, the decision to sacrifice herself is almost made for her, as the scene is invaded by Thanos and his forces, leading to an epic fight with Clint and Natasha trying to prevent the villain from getting the stone. The battle ends with Black Widow throwing herself off the ledge, after being shot multiple times and already on the verge of death.
So, do you prefer a scene where heroes make the ultimate sacrifice willingly and with full knowledge of what will happen? Or do you prefer a scene where the hero has one last fight and understands that the sacrifice must happen, no matter the price? The Russo Brothers chose option 1. What do you think?