Scarlett Johansson is a solid actor. Films like Under the Skin and Marriage Story are showcases of Johansson’s range as a performer and her tremendous acting chops. But the role she’s most recognised for, the role that has made her a household name and one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood is, of course, Black Widow, the character she plays in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Scarlett Johansson made her debut in the MCU in the highly forgettable Iron Man 2. She was given nothing much to do besides be hot (which she is) and display charisma (which she has in spades). When she was given meatier materials to sink her teeth into (i.e. Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame), Johansson delivered the goods and then some. Scarlett Johansson isn’t just synonymous with the character, she’s even got her own solo Black Widow film coming up at the end of the year.
These days, it’s difficult to imagine anyone else as Natasha Romanoff. However, as fans probably already know by now, Scarlett Johansson wasn’t the first choice to play Black Widow — it was Emily Blunt. Blunt was originally cast as the character but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with Gulliver’s Travels. Yes, that crappy movie starring Jack Black.
In a recent interview with Parade, Scarlett Johansson discussed what being the second choice feels like in retrospect.
The best call you can receive is after you are rejected for something and then you get it. You appreciate it more. I’ve basically made a career out of being second choice.
Black Widow is set to hit Malaysian cinemas on the 5th of November 2020. The film was initially supposed to hit cinemas this summer but was pushed back due to the Covid-19.
