Over the past decade or more, Scarlett Johansson has become synonymous with playing Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is a role that the Lucy star calls her "favorite role of all time." Much of this favoritism stems from being able to grow with Natasha Romanoff. A role that started off as an assassin with no feeling in Iron Man 2 to a character who cares deeply and has forged meaningful relationships by the time her role in the MCU comes to an end.
While Johansson has spoken about caring deeply about this character, there was trepidation about taking on the role, not knowing how the public would receive her as the iconic Black Widow. A fear that the Rough Night star had to put behind her in order to do the character justice and be the superspy that Avengers fans adored in the comics. And if these fans did not like the portrayal of Black Widow, that distaste would be reflected by box office sales, or lack of them. As such, there was pressure felt by Johansson until Black Widow was introduced over 10 years ago.
Needless to say, Johansson did her part. Fans have become so attached to the Chef star's Natasha Romanoff that they claim they cannot see anyone other than Johansson in the role. This a statement that is high praise indeed for a well-established actress that did not know if she would be accepted in the MCU.
Here is why Scarlett Johansson was concerned fans would not like her portrayal of Black Widow.
Who Was Supposed To Be Cast In The Role Of Natasha Romanoff
While fans may not be able to picture anyone other than Johansson as Black Widow, she was not the first choice for the role. In fact, she was passed over for another actress. But, that did not stop Johansson from accepting the role when the original actress had to bow out. A decision that is undoubtedly one of the best career choices Johansson has ever made.
The original actress that was supposed to be cast in the role of Black Widow was Emily Blunt. However, as a result of being contracted to star in Gulliver's Travels, Blunt had to turn down the role. The decision was one that she called "heartbreaking."
When fans learned that Blunt was supposed to be cast in the role of the Avengers' favorite spy, feelings were mixed. This is because while they did not doubt Blunt's acting skills or ability to be in action movies, Johansson was the actress who brought Black Widow to life.
"I could imagine Emily Blunt as Black Widow. I think she would have been great," one fan explained. "Better than ScarJo? Maybe, maybe not."
Another fan stated, "And see I’m the exact opposite. I like Emily Blunt but I just can not picture her as black widow at all. Maybe the character would have turned out different if he had played it. But as far as how black widow was presented to us as is I can’t see Blunt playing that role."
Regardless of who was supposed to originally be Black Widow, it is clear that as far as fans are concerned, Johansson was the perfect choice for the role.
How Fans Showed Their Appreciation For Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow Character
In case virtual praise was not enough to convince Johansson that she had done well with her portrayal of Black Widow, a very special award cemented this fact in 2021.
When award season officially gets underway every spring, actors and actresses wait to see if their hard work had resonated with both fans and those in the industry. And while prestigious awards such as the Oscar or the SAG-AFTRA are highly coveted, there is another one that provides the barometer of how those in the entertainment industry are reading with fans.
And that is the People's Choice Award. The very same award that was presented to Johansson for Female Movie Star of 2021, all as a result of her performance as Black Widow.
If there was any lingering doubt for the Don Jon star as to whether she had been accepted by MCU fans, this award put an end to those.
And because of this, Johansson thanked fans, saying "I really owe this all to you guys." A move that showed just how appreciative the actress had been for the success received with the Avengers franchise.
Why Fans Wanted More For Black Widow In Avengers: Endgame
With Black Widow being a part of the MCU for so long, having to say goodbye to her in Avengers: Endgame was not easy for fans. In fact, most did not even anticipate it happening.
The way that the movie paid tribute (or lack thereof) to Johansson and her character did not sit well with fans. A fact that showed Johansson how well she portrayed Natasha Romanoff during her tenure with the movie franchise.
While it was explained that Tony Stark's character received more of a send-off than Black Widow did because Black Widow would be coming out a few years after Endgame, it was an explanation that did not quell fans.
Instead, it was pointed out that had Black Widow not sacrificed herself, Stark would never have been able to defeat Thanos. A bone of contention with Marvel fans that lives on today to the point that three years after Endgame premiered, it is still discussed.
To Marvel fans, Johansson hit the ball out of the park with her portrayal of Black Widow. Thank goodness she did not let any fears get in the way of playing a character that will forever cement her place in cinematic history as not only a superhero but character fans could grow with over time.
