Scarlett Johansson, who has played Natasha Romanoff/Black Widowin eight Marvel movies to date, recently stated that she first doubted that 2012’sThe Avengerswould be a hit. The Oscar-nominated actress noted the exact moment when the cast realized that they were making something special.
Johansson first appeared as Black Widow over ten years ago in Jon Favreau’sIron Man 2. In the film, Romanoff was an undercover spy who posed as Tony Stark’s assistant. The movie star wasn’t Favreau’s first choice to play the role. Emily Blunt was forced to turn down the part due to scheduling conflicts with Jack Black’sGulliver’s Travels.Johansson then took the role and soon became an integral part of the MCU. FollowingIron Man 2, shestarred alongside Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and Chris Hemsworth’s Thor in Joss Whedon’sThe Avengers.
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Despite earning rave reviews from critics and grossing over $1 billion worldwide, Johansson wasn’t initially confident thatthe firstAvengersfilmwould work. The 36-year-old Marvel star toldThe Gentlewomanthat she was skeptical after hearing Whedon’s pitch of the film. “The thought of all of us together in our superhero costumes sounded like it was going to be a disaster,” said Johansson. “Not a disaster, but, like, What is this? Whatisthis?”
Johansson sensed that the film would resonant with fans after they filmed theiconic scene where Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Captain America, and Thor come together to battle in New York City. “I remember doing that 360 shot, and we’re standing in the rubble of Grand Central or whatever, of this alien onslaught, and all of us are ready, like: Here we go, this is it,” she said. After seeing the playback, Johansson realized that they were making something special. “I think that was the moment that all of us, finally, after six months of shooting, was, ‘Oh, this is going to work. I think this is going to work.’”
Despite falling to her death inAvengers: Endgame -a decision the character made in order for the team to retrieve the Soul Stone as part of their mission to undo Thanos' decimation inInfinity War- Johansson’s Romanoff will be featured in astandaloneBlack Widowfilmthis summer.Black Widowwas directed by Cate Shortland, whose previous credits include the historical drama film titledLore,and will take place following the events ofCaptain America: Civil War, which concluded with Romanoff going on the run after aiding a fugitive Captain America.The highly-anticipated film will focus on Romanoff’s family and history as a Russian spy. The cast includesFlorence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff.Godzilla vs. Kong’s Eric Pearson penned the script.
The $200 million priced blockbuster was originally slated to come out in May 2020 and start Phase 4 in the MCU. Due to the pandemic, the film’s theatrical release has been delayed numerous times. Disney recently announced that Emma Stone’sCruellaandBlack Widowwill be released simultaneously in theatresand on Disney Plus this summer.
Black Widowis scheduled to be released in theaters and on Disney Plus on Aug 06, 2025.
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