‘Black Widow’: Scarlett Johansson Confirms Natasha and Yelena’s ‘Meaningful’ Shared Vest
With Black Widow finally almost here, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans learn even more about the superhero film. Star Scarlett Johansson revealed a little about an item of clothing shared between her character and another, including its origins and what it might mean for the franchise.
Natasha and Yelena wore the same vest in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Black Widow’
When Natasha makes her entrance in Edinburgh, Scotland, in Avengers: Infinity War, she looks different than the last time fans saw her in Captain America: Civil War. Not only is her hair now platinum blonde, but she’s wearing a green vest over her black superhero suit. Of course, no one comments on her style change — there’s too much going on.
The vest didn’t become a topic of conversation until years later, when the first images for Black Widow debuted. Fans quickly realized the green vest Yelena wears looks like the one Natasha wore in Infinity War. Given Black Widow takes place between Civil War and Infinity War, the popular theory became that Yelena gave the vest to Natasha during Black Widow.
Johansson calls it a ‘meaningful’ connection
In most cases, fans only have months or even just weeks to ponder such a question. However, Black Widow experienced significant delays. Its original premiere date in May 2020 was pushed back multiple times. With its official release set for July 9, 2021, outlets can finally reveal what they learned in interviews conducted more than a year ago.
Speaking to Screen Rant during a 2019 set visit, Johansson confirmed the vest she wears in Infinity War is meant to be the same one Florence Pugh wore as Yelena in Black Widow. “It actually is an important thing,” she said. “It seems very superficial, but it actually is very unique, it’s a meaningful thing.” Johansson added, “It’s an heirloom, it becomes an heirloom in this funny, unexpected way.”
Kevin Feige is responsible for the link between the films
Easter eggs in the MCU began as small connections between movies, like Nick Fury’s post-credit appearances. But they’ve grown to include moments both large and small throughout the ever-expanding universe. And while writers, directors, and other crew members must keep them straight, there’s one person who often brings it all together.
“That’s totally a Kevin Feige thing,” Johansson said of the vest, referring to the Marvel president. “He loves all of that backstory stuff and things that connect characters to one another.” The actor told the publication that Feige gives “heart” to “innocuous” items by establishing these connections.
1 fan theory says Natasha and Yelena didn’t share the vest at all
The only thing the MCU has more of than Easter eggs is fan theories. And, according to one, Yelena didn’t give Natasha her vest — she kept it. So what did she give her fellow Black Widow? Her face.
Fans referenced a 2001 Marvel comic, “Face Swap,” in which Yelena and Natasha have their faces surgically reattached to the other’s body. If this was the case, then the “Natasha” seen in Infinity War was actually Yelena, wearing her own vest and sporting her own blonde hair. Of course, there are issues with this theory. But given that anything goes in the MCU, it isn’t impossible.
