The post-credit scene chosen for Black Widow (2021) directly forms a plot point for Hawkeye (2021-) while incorporating two new faces in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A recently leaked alternative post-credit scene honors Scarlet Johansson's titular character during the scene.
Cosmic Media shared the deleted scene on Twitter. The stinger features children playing "Avengers" in Natasha "Black Widow" Romanoff's old Ohio neighborhood where she spent her childhood, which the film confirms in its first act. Romanoff shows off her blonde bob and green tactical vest gifted to her by her "sister" Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). This secondary take sets up Romanoff's arc in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and applies more depth to just how important the Black Widow is.
There feels like a genuine connection between the entirety of the movie and the adjoined additional content. This emotional ending can be considered to be a more appropriate fit for Black Widow, especially after a young girl is shown imitating the assassin. The post-credit scene that was ultimately chosen to be included fast-forwards through Avengers: Infinity War and features the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame (2019), leaping ahead in the timeline to supplement the next phase of the MCU.
There's a reason why the post-credit scene committed to building on Hawkeye was released instead of the more sentimental choice, but getting a glimpse at what almost made the cut is refreshing, and sets the film in a new perspective. Black Widow is now in theaters and streaming on Disney+