Scarlett Johansson was nearly part of Thunderbolts in a surprising cameo, according to writer Eric Pearson, who also revealed that a major Adamantium storyline was scrapped during the film’s development. Speaking this week, Pearson detailed how several versions of the film were considered before Marvel Studios officially moved forward with the project now released as The New Avengers. These revelations offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped the latest chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Early drafts of Thunderbolts reportedly included dramatic character arcs and high-stakes stories. Pearson explained that Taskmaster was once meant to survive, Bill Foster’s Goliath to return in giant form, and even U.S. Agent nearly experienced a transformation that mirrored the Hulk. One of the more ambitious storylines involved Adamantium, the indestructible metal famously linked to Wolverine, becoming central to the plot. Pearson said,
Despite the intrigue of Adamantium, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige redirected the focus. He urged Pearson to move away from a sprawling, expansive story, suggesting, instead, a more contained, character-driven approach. As Pearson recounted, Feige explained,
This shift led to a version of the story set entirely within the Vault, a high-security prison in the Marvel universe, where characters like Yelena Belova, U.S. Agent, Ghost, and Taskmaster crossed paths in tense circumstances.
One of the pivotal creative challenges was how to differentiate Thunderbolts from familiar ensemble films such as Suicide Squad. Pearson considered a reversed dynamic, suggesting,
The writer also envisioned scenarios where the group, trapped underground, would need to unite in order to escape, pushing their teamwork to the limits. Director Jake Schreier contributed by shifting the narrative toward a road trip premise, culminating in a dramatic final battle in New York—a change that helped elevate Thunderbolts to its eventual New Avengers title.
The most significant revelation for Marvel fans, however, centered on Scarlett Johansson and her potential involvement. In his discussion, Pearson acknowledged that he did consider a cameo for Johansson as Natasha Romanoff during a memorable sequence in The Void, recalling,
He imagined a grounded, surreal environment reminiscent of “Being John Malkovich,” but admitted the cameo idea did not progress beyond early brainstorming sessions.
When pressed about the likelihood of Scarlett Johansson returning in any Marvel film, Pearson was candid.
he said. Pearson insisted he had no insider information, but expressed doubt that Johansson would take on the Black Widow role again, even in rumored projects like Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. Still, speculation persists among fans about whether she might someday make a final appearance as a Black Widow Variant.
These scrapped storylines and the brief consideration of Scarlett Johansson’s return underscore the intensity and conflict within creative development at Marvel Studios. While the Thunderbolts’ journey unfolded differently than originally imagined, the decisions behind the scenes continue to shape anticipation and debate among audiences. Fans now watch closely, aware that major changes—and possible surprises—could happen at any turn in the MCU’s evolving narrative.
