Scarlett Johansson, known for her iconic role as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, recently discussed her decision to request the removal of her name from the credits of the upcoming film Thunderbolts. In conversation with David Harbour, who starred with her in the Black Widow prequel, Johansson revealed that she had no creative input in the film and felt it was appropriate to forgo the credit.
Since making her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2010’s Iron Man 2, Johansson has experienced a multifaceted journey with the franchise. Her character, Black Widow, met her demise in Avengers: Endgame but was central to her solo film, Black Widow, released in 2021, which explored her past and origins.
In her latest reflection on her time in the MCU, Johansson acknowledged that the scale of some productions sometimes left her feeling like a mere plot device rather than a fully realized character. She emphasized the significant personal investment actors make in such roles, stating, “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.”
Despite her departure from the project, Johansson expressed a heartfelt connection to her character and her fellow cast members, though she believes Black Widow’s story has reached a natural conclusion. Earlier discussions have suggested that fans appreciate the completeness of her arc, making her reluctant to revisit the role.
Thunderbolts has garnered over $374.5 million globally, contributing to a resurgence for Marvel films after some recent challenges such as Captain America: Brave New World. However, the film faced minor controversy due to marketing decisions that revealed potential spoilers by changing its title to The New Avengers.
Looking ahead, Marvel’s next significant release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, featuring stars like Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, is set to debut on July 25, creating anticipation among fans for the continuation of the superhero saga.