Scarlett Johansson recently disclosed that she wasn't Marvel's initial choice to portray Black Widow. Before assuming the role, the studio had considered Emily Blunt, who declined the offer due to compatibility issues with other projects.
Since her debut in Iron Man 2, Scarlett Johansson has excelled in bringing Black Widow to life in the Marvel Universe. Despite delays in the release of her solo adventure due to the pandemic, the actress is set to bid farewell to the character. However, it's worth noting that Johansson wasn't the studio's primary pick for Natasha Romanoff.
Marvel Studios initially sought Emily Blunt, known for her role in A Quiet Place, to portray the spy. However, Blunt declined the offer due to conflicting commitments, leading Disney to approach Johansson. In a recent interview with Parade, Johansson recounted her meeting with Jon Favreau, the director of the first two Iron Man films, where she was initially overlooked in favor of her competitor.
Expressing her excitement about working with Favreau, Johansson described the meeting as "wonderful." Despite being initially passed over, she conveyed to the filmmaker, "If this doesn't work out, I am an available actress, call me anytime."
Johansson acknowledged her history of facing rejection from a young age but emphasized maintaining an open mind. She shared advice for aspiring actors, encouraging them to stay optimistic. Despite being Marvel's second choice, Johansson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play one of the franchise's key characters, highlighting that the best calls often follow rejection.
While it's now challenging to envision anyone other than Johansson as Black Widow, Emily Blunt was initially a fan favorite for the role. Rumors persist about Blunt's discussions with Kevin Feige for a future Marvel project.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Marvel, the uncertainty of the future persists. However, the release of the Black Widow movie, directed by Cate Shortland, is scheduled for November 2020, pending resolution of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.
