Given the sometimes confusing nature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline, it’s a bit of a surprise how clean cut Phase 2 is becoming. Iron Man 3 was set about six months after The Avengers with Thor: The Dark World following a similar path, and now Scarlett Johansson has confirmed that Captain America: The Winter Soldier is set a whole two years after the film.
“This film is in real time,” she said in an interview with Refinery29. “It’s been two years since [the characters] appeared, and now both are agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fighting in the streets. We are not superheroes flying side by side. They help each other because we are fighting in a similar way. It’s a working relationship.”
Johansson also elaborated on the relationship between Black Widow and Steve Rogers:
“By a series of unfortunate encounters, they will be in a situation in which their friendship becomes more intimate. They share many similarities because they live on the defensive without relying on anyone. Also, the two have been working for the government throughout their professional careers. With their friendship they begin to question what they want and what is their true identity.”
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Captain America: The Winter Soldier hits theaters on April 4, 2014.
