New 'Black Widow' book offers best look yet at its Taskmaster villain

A new Black Widow book has finally given us a good look at the Taskmaster, the film’s mysterious villain.

Although the release of the Scarlett Johansson-led Marvel movie has been pushed back to May 2021, the film’s official behind-the-scenes book has just been released in North America (a UK release date remains TBC).

No actor has officially been announced as Taskmaster so far, suggesting that a plot twist will reveal one of the film’s lead characters as the antagonist during the course of the film

Created by created by writer David Michelinie and artist George Pérez, the supervillain made his first appearance in the Marvel Comics in 1980, and will make his MCU debut in the 2021 solo film.

He traditionally has the power of mimicry, giving him the ability to learn and recreate his opponents fighting moves instantaneously, making him a formidable opponent for any hero including Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, real name Natasha Romanoff.

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“The mysterious Taskmaster knows Natasha’s every move and utilises photographic reflexes,” the book explains.

Set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, the movie will see Natasha delve back into her past and “pass the baton” to Florence Pugh’s character Yelena.

Also appearing in the film is David Harbour as Black Widow’s former ally Red Guardian, Rachel Weisz as Natasha’s former mentor, Ray Winstone as Dreykov, and O-T Fagbenie as a former S.H.I.E.L.D. ally with a romantic interest in the Avengers member.

Marvel Studios' Black Widow: The Official Movie Special Book is being released by Titan Comics and is out now in the US, but awaiting a UK date.

Black Widow will come to UK cinemas on 7 May, 2021.

Watch the latest trailer below