Gray argues that the definition of "hotness" for a superheroine is "creating a delicate balance between sex appeal and physical strength" (Gray 91). This definition is applicable to the superheroine Black Widow in the film Avengers 2: Age of Ultron (2015). Black Widow, or Natasha Romanoff (played by Scarlet Johanson), is a spy and former assassin with an impressive knowledge of weapons and martial arts. She's beautiful, mysterious, and intelligent, all while being a total badass. She grew up trained by the KGB in Russia in a program that turns girls into ruthless killers. She is the only female member of the Avengers and has appeared in previous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films. She joined the Avengers to redeem herself for the heinous crimes she had committed in the past. Despite being able to achieve the balance between sex appeal and physical strength, Natasha's character is still reduced to perpetuating gender stereotypes and conventional gender roles. This is evident in her sex appeal and the way she is presented, in her role in the Avengers, and in her character's arc in Age of Ultron. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayNatasha is already considered sexy, thanks to her self-confidence and intelligent responses to her teammates. However, her body and sex appeal are used in a way that caters to the “male gaze”. In the film's opening fight scene, she is seen wearing a skin-tight, low-cut leather suit, which highlights her chest. Despite the fact that costumes are standard for superheroes, none of his fellow Avengers' costumes look as "bondage-like" as his. The dress is similar to the costumes of the superheroines Gray mentions in her essay. According to Gray, the skin-tight catsuits “allow all the nooks and crannies of the female body to be shown” and also create a “physical barrier, preventing consummation” (Gray 85). It creates a sense of "look, but don't touch" for the viewer. In another scene, the Avengers throw a victory cocktail party. Natasha is seen working behind a cocktail bar preparing drinks, while the other Avengers entertain their guests. Instead of wearing her tight jumpsuit, Natasha is seen wearing a white blouse, slightly unbuttoned, and red lipstick. She begins flirting with Hulk/Bruce Banner at the bar, in a conversation full of innuendo. Once again, attention is drawn to certain features, her breasts and her lips in this situation, in an attempt to "make her look seductive", although the confidence she exudes is quite sexy. Not only is his body accentuated by his tight clothing, it is also sexualized by his poses and the way he fights. During the opening fight scene, there are shots where her breasts, butt, and overall physique are the focal point of the screen. This also occurs during the cocktail party scene, when Ultron attacks Bruce and Natasha. To escape the fire, Bruce dives onto her and ends up with his face in her breast. This allows her body to be the focal point of the scene and emphasizes the curves of her body. According to Gray, voyeuristic shots like these are used to “depict an idealized female form” and “somehow diminish the power of the superheroine” (Gray 83). The way she poses while fighting emphasizes both her physique and her flexibility, both of which fit the idealized female form. It may not be the most effective way to fight, but it will get viewers' attention. Not only is Natasha's sex appeal reduced to gender stereotypes, but so is her role in the Avengers. He takes on the role.