Scarlett Johansson reflects on Marvel and Black Widow roles four years after her farewell to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing mixed emotions about her time as one of the franchise‘s lead superheroes. In a recent interview with David Harbour, Johansson discussed both the rewarding and challenging aspects of playing Natasha Romanoff, highlighting the complexities that came with being part of such a massive, globally recognized franchise.
Challenges and Rewards of Portraying Natasha Romanoff
Johansson, now preparing for her role in Jurassic World Rebirth, spoke candidly about the extensive commitment required by Marvel projects and what it meant for her growth as an actor. She described how some projects lasted for months, which could at times limit her pursuit of more personally engaging work. Reflecting on her years bringing Natasha Romanoff to life, she stated that while some films challenged her character, others left her less satisfied.
“Some of the films that I did for Marvel engaged my character more than others,”
she explained during her conversation with Harbour, her Black Widow co-star. When discussing particularly memorable experiences, Johansson cited her dynamic partnership with Chris Evans in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and observed the contrast with larger Avengers films.
“Like in [Captain America: The] Winter Soldier with Chris [Evans], we were really dynamic. In some of the other films, the cast was so enormous and there was so much plot to serve that you start to feel like you’re a device to move it along,”
she admitted.
The Personal Costs of Superhero Stardom
Beyond the creative highs and lows, Johansson discussed the offscreen challenges that come with being a key player in a superhero universe. The actress spoke about the personal routine sacrifices and the blurring of work and personal identity during the long stretches of filming, which sometimes left her feeling restless.
“If you’re committed to five and a half months of that, it’s like, ‘Okay. I can’t paint my nails, I can’t get a haircut.’ These sound like silly problems, but your identity is wrapped up in this job for a long time, and if you’re not doing engaging work as an actor, you feel a little cagey sometimes,”
she explained.
Speculation and Finality Surrounding the Black Widow Character
David Harbour, set to reprise his role as Red Guardian in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, joked during their interview about a possible return for Black Widow, sparking speculation among fans.
“We all know you’re the secret character. We all know the Black Widow comes back from the dead,”
he tells her at one point.—David Harbour, Red Guardian actor. Johansson quickly dismissed the idea in dramatic fashion, saying,
“If I come back from the dead, then half the world’s population dies. Didn’t you see Endgame for Christ’s sake?”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress. Her repeated, firm responses have made it clear to both Harbour and fans that her days as Natasha Romanoff have truly ended.
Most recently, Johansson stated,
“Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. Okay?,”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress. Addressing the never-ending fan hope for Black Widow’s return, she added,
“They [the fans] just don’t want to believe it. They’re like, ‘But she could come back!’ Look, I think the balance of the entire universe is held in her hand. We’re going to have to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment.”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress.
Moving Forward: New Horizons Beyond Marvel
While Scarlett Johansson’s chapter in the MCU has closed, she is entering another iconic universe with her starring role in Jurassic World Rebirth, set to arrive in theaters this summer. Her comments have also hinted at a desire to possibly direct a Marvel movie, even if she has left acting within the franchise behind. The conversation between Johansson and Harbour offers insight into the emotional and practical realities faced by actors who help bring beloved comic book heroes to life. As the MCU continues to evolve, Johansson’s legacy as Black Widow remains an essential part of its history, while her outlook is now set firmly on new creative territories.
