Peyton Barranco ’21
Faculty Sponsor: Darcey Morris
Abstract
The character Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), better known as her superhero alias Black Widow, has held a prominent role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Despite her importance throughout the MCU, her role within these films typically adhere to common sexist tropes and female character functions within Hollywood films. Specifically, the character’s sexualization and her relationship to the monstrous feminine are worthy of feminist critique. As the MCU is a global, multi-billion-dollar franchise, these films have a significant cultural impact and warrant analysis and critique of how women are represented in these films.