New footage from Black Widow disproves a popular fan theory regarding the identity of Taskmaster. Scarlett Johansson is finally going to lead her own Marvel Cinematic Universe film this year, which will shed more light on Natasha Romanoff’s backstory. This will happen as Black Widow shows multiple points in her life and introduces characters from her world, like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Red Guardian (David Harbour).

Aside from the heroes that Black Widow will feature, the film is also going to introduce a long-awaited villain: Taskmaster. The skilled mercenary is such a difficult opponent to face because he has photographic reflexes that allow him to perfectly replicate any physical move. This was highlighted in the recent special look at Black Widow as Natasha faced off with Taskmaster. But, one aspect of Taskmaster that was left open for speculation was who was under the mask. A popular theory was that Rachel Weisz could to be the one playing Taskmaster, but that no longer appears to be plausible thanks to the new footage.

The special look for Black Widow featured plenty of new footage featuring Taskmaster, as well as Rachel Weisz’s Melina, and a shared location looks to be evidence that they are not the same person. The official trailer for the film previously showed Taskmaster and Red Guardian fighting in a building with a white interior, lots of windows, and some different colored lights. A few quick shots in the special look feature Weisz (in a white Widow suit like Nat and Yelena) in the same location. If you look closely, Red Guardian can even be seen on the ground when Melina takes out a guard around the 40 second mark. Unless she is going to make a quick costume change or they go to the same location multiple times, Melina being Taskmaster is no longer a workable theory. See the comparison shots below:

This apparent confirmation that Melina is not Taskmaster may be disappointing to those hoping to see this twist play out, but it also likely means that she will be a hero throughout the film. Given Black Widow revolves around family, it would’ve been fascinating to see Nat fight someone who could be a motherly or mentor figure to her. Instead, Melina will be working with Nat, Yelena, and Red Guardian throughout the film without a double-cross or identity twist.

Of course, knowing that Melina is not Taskmaster then leaves us with a question of the mercenary’s identity all over again. For those anxious to figure out the identity before seeing Black Widow in May, the good news is that there aren’t many other options. The film has a small group of confirmed cast members and Weisz no longer being in the running for Taskmaster could mean that O-T Fagbenle will be the one underneath the suit. Marvel has not revealed too many details on his character, Mason, except that he does have a history with Natasha. Unless someone who isn’t part of Black Widow’s confirmed cast is playing Taskmaster, it would appear that Fagbenle will play the main villain instead of Weisz.

MORE: Black Widow Could Introduce The MCU’s First Mutant

  • Black Widow Release Date: 2021-07-09 The Eternals Release Date: 2021-11-05 Shang Chi Release Date: 2021-09-03 Doctor Strange 2 Release Date: 2022-05-06 Thor: Love and Thunder Release Date: 2022-07-08 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Release Date: 2022-11-11