MCU Phase 4: 10 Things They Must Address (And Not Just Forget About)
4. Black Widow's Sacrifice
Permanent character deaths are always difficult to deal with. Black Widow's biting of the bullet to ensure the Soul Stone went to Hawkeye was a profound resolution, a clear and final sign that she had evolved from brutal efficient assassin to selfless hero.
She paid the ultimate price and shouldn't just be ignored because Tony had the boldness to do it publicly. The Avengers headquarters should erect its own monument to Romanoff to commemorate her sacrifice. Even Nick Fury would likely miss her considering she was his plant to get close to Tony at the start.
As Far From Home showed, Spider-Man struggled with Stark's sacrifice as did the world. Black Widow's death should have a similar effect on the surviving Avengers, something the Hawkeye series would do well to acknowledge. Barton was closest to Natasha, therefore it's likely he'd still be dealing with her willing death, perhaps still wishing he'd jumped in her place.
Maybe if Yelena Boleva becomes the newest one to take up the mantle after the Widow solo film, we could see more recognition of Romanoff's sacrifice. Regardless, it was still a significant resolution of a strong character that Marvel would do well to pay respect to.