Whether or not Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) and Steve Rogers (Captain America) kissed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a topic of much debate among fans. As two of the most popular Avengers characters who have shared plenty of screen time over multiple films, fans have longed to see them get together romantically. However, their relationship has remained strictly platonic according to canon. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence and arguments from both sides of this debate.
Background on Black Widow and Captain America’s relationship
Natasha Romanoff and Steve Rogers first met in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). They started out as colleagues at S.H.I.E.L.D. before becoming fugitives on the run together when S.H.I.E.L.D. fell. This experience forged a strong bond between them. They went on to fight alongside each other as Avengers, with Natasha helping Steve adapt to the modern world after he was thawed from ice.
Fans picked up on their chemistry and close friendship, leading many to “ship” them as a romantic pairing. However, Marvel has never confirmed that their relationship was anything more than platonic. The debate continues among fans as to whether there were any romantic sparks between the super spies.
Arguments for Natasha and Steve kissing
Here are some of the common arguments from fans who believe Natasha and Steve shared a kiss at some point during the MCU films:
They had strong on-screen chemistry
Natasha and Steve shared a number of intimate, emotionally vulnerable scenes together throughout their multiple films. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, they went on the run together after S.H.I.E.L.D. fell and had no one to rely on but each other. Fans argue their chemistry in these high stakes, high emotion scenes laid the foundation for a romantic connection.
Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans shipped it
The actors who played Natasha and Steve seemed to support the idea of their characters becoming a couple. Scarlett Johansson said in multiple interviews she thought it could be cute if they got together. Chris Evans called their relationship “very brotherly-sisterly” but also acknowledged the fan theories of romance. The fact that the stars seemed open to the pairing gives credence to the idea in some fans’ minds.
There are gaps in canon where a kiss could have happened
The MCU films have only shown snippets of Natasha and Steve’s interactions over years of shared experiences as Avengers. Fans argue that a kiss could have conceivably occurred during an off-screen mission or encounter not featured in the movies. Their lives have intersected in so many unseen ways, which leaves the door open for more intimate moments.
They cared deeply for each other
Natasha and Steve clearly had a very close friendship and cared deeply about each other. Some fans see that level of emotional intimacy as grounds for a potential romantic relationship. In Endgame, Natasha sacrificed her life so that Steve could get the Soul Stone and bring everyone back. Meanwhile, Steve was clearly devastated by her death. This depth of connection makes their relationship seem like more than “just friends” to some viewers.
Arguments against Natasha and Steve kissing
However, there are also plenty of arguments against the idea that Natasha and Steve ever crossed that line:
No evidence in the films
There are no definitive scenes, dialogue, or actions that establish a romantic relationship between Natasha and Steve across the entire Infinity Saga. All of their interactions, no matter how emotionally intimate, can still be read as platonic. With no solid proof, claims of a kiss are just speculation.
Other potential love interests
Natasha was also linked to Bruce Banner in Age of Ultron, while Steve shared a kiss with Sharon Carter in Civil War. This suggests Natasha and Steve were not exclusively interested in each other. The films purposefully paired them with other possible love interests rather than having them pursue each other.
Marvel has not confirmed it
The MCU films are carefully crafted, so if Natasha and Steve were meant to be a couple, Marvel likely would have made that clear. The filmmakers and producers have had ample opportunities to address the speculation, but have never confirmed a romantic relationship. Their silence speaks volumes.
It would undermine Natasha’s character arc
Natasha had a significant solo arc that established her backstory and highlighted her strengths as an independent character. Having her simply become a love interest for Captain America could detract from her journey to self-discovery and growth beyond her troubled past. Her story is not about romance, so a kiss may feel unwarranted.
Evidence for and against a kiss
To summarize the debate, here is a table weighing the evidence both for and against Natasha and Steve kissing within the movies:
| Evidence For | Evidence Against |
|---|---|
| Strong on-screen chemistry | No definitive proof in the films |
| Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans supported the idea | Other potential love interests existed |
| Gaps in canon where a kiss could have happened | Marvel has not confirmed a relationship |
| Deep emotional connection and intimacy | Could undermine Natasha’s solo arc |
Fan theories of when a kiss could have occurred
Since there is no explicit proof within the films, fans have come up with theories for when a kiss was most likely to have happened, if at all:
- During their time on the run in Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- At the start of Age of Ultron when Natasha was helping Steve search for Bucky
- Off-screen sometime after Civil War when they were both fugitives from the law
- During the five year time jump after Thanos’ snap
However, these remain speculative and have no hard evidence from the films to back them up conclusively.
Conclusion
After weighing all the arguments and available evidence from the MCU films, it seems unlikely that Natasha and Steve ever actually kissed on screen or that they had a secret romantic relationship. While fans may have hoped for a love story, their connection appears to have stayed firmly within the bounds of a close, platonic friendship. There are enough counterpoints to cast doubt on a physical romance between the super spies.
Natasha Romanoff and Steve Rogers forged an incredibly strong bond over years of being Avengers together. Their relationship evolved from colleagues to trusted battle partners to friends willing to sacrifice all for each other. While that depth of intimacy had romantic potential, the films seem to have kept them on the path of “friends, not lovers.” So in the end, despite fans’ wishes, the answer appears to be no: there is no definitive proof that Natasha and Steve kissed within the established Marvel Cinematic Universe canon. Their connection was profound and lifesaving, but not conclusively romantic based on what the films provided.