Scarlett Johansson has stirred conversations by labeling the first Avengers film as a “mess,” despite its commercial success surpassing $1 billion at the box office. The 40-year-old actress, who has portrayed Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since 2010, reflected on the challenges of the 2012 film directed by Joss Whedon, noting that the large ensemble cast—including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and Chris Evans—created a chaotic atmosphere.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson explained that during the filming of the first Avengers, the cast was uncertain about the film’s potential, despite the prior successes of Iron Man and Thor. She recounted that combining characters with different tones and styles made the production feel disjointed, stating, “Even on the set, it felt crazy, because we all looked insane. It was like, ‘What are we doing?’”
However, there was a pivotal moment during filming, particularly during the iconic Battle of New York scene, that shifted the cast’s perspective. Johansson described the impactful moment where all characters united, saying, “That was the moment where all of us were like, ‘I think this is maybe gonna work.’ It felt powerful.” Ultimately, The Avengers not only became a milestone for Marvel, raking in more than $1.5 billion and ranking as the 12th highest-grossing film of all time, but it also paved the way for future superhero ensembles.
In addition to her reflections on the Avengers, Johansson touched on the evolution of the film industry, highlighting the influence of technology. She discussed concerns about artificial intelligence and its potential implications, emphasizing the need for boundaries to ensure it doesn’t become harmful. Moreover, the actress expressed her views on the current state of the Academy Awards, pointing out how big tech companies have intertwined with the arts.
Johansson continues to evolve within the industry, with upcoming projects including her role in Jurassic World Rebirth set to premiere, and her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, making its way to the Cannes Film Festival.
The juxtaposition of her early experiences and her growth both as an actress and a director reveals a promising future for Johansson, showcasing her resilience and her commitment to the arts.