Marvel Studios has done an amazing job creating a unified universe in which its characters can co-exist. Everything from Iron Man to Iron Man 3 all follow a specific timeline where the events of every individual film affects each subsequent film, such as The Avengers‘ alien attack being referenced in Iron Man 3. However, with multiple Marvel Studios films coming out every year, it can be confusing to keep track of what happens when, especially if the films themselves span a distinct period of time.

Luckily, the Black Widow herself, Scarlett Johansson, recently shed some light on the specific passage of time between The Avengers and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. In an interview with Refinery 29, Johansson mentions the passage of time and the relationship between her Black Widow and Chris Evans’ Captain America:

This film is in real time. 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. 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

With Thor: The Dark World taking place six months after Iron Man 3 (or a full year after The Avengers), it’ll be interesting to see how that film’s events will influence what happens in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. One thing’s for sure: the more we see of Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, the better.

[via /Film]