Black Widow spoilers follow.
Black Widow director Cate Shortland has revealed why the movie doesn't feature a reported major cameo.
In 2019, a Deadline article seemingly confirmed the Marvel film would include the final performance of Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) following his Endgame demise.
Set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, Black Widow dropped in cinemas earlier this month and set a new box office record – yet, Tony was nowhere to be found.
Speaking recently, Shortland explained why that is.
Related: Black Widow star explains post-credits scene's big revelation
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Revealing that she and Marvel boss Kevin Feige 'initially discussed' the idea of featuring other MCU characters, Shortland said the pair ultimately decided Natasha should "stand alone" in the movie.
"Initially, there was discussions about everything, about all of the different characters," Shortland told GamesRadar+.
"What we decided was, and I think Kevin was really great, he said, 'She doesn't need the boys.'
"We didn't want it to feel like she needs the support. We want her to stand alone. And she does."
Related: Why Black Widow's surprise Taskmaster reveal falls completely flat
The comments follow Yelena actress Florence Pugh opening up about the film's big post-credits scene.
They also follow Shortland explaining how she landed the Black Widow gig.
Black Widow is out now in UK and US cinemas, and is also streaming on Disney+ with Premier Access.
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