One unanswered question has hovered over the Marvel Cinematic Universe since “The Avengers” blew up the box office in 2012. Namely, when will Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow get the opportunity to headline her own solo film? For years, the actress (and fans) expressed interest in the prospect of everyone’ favorite Russian spy getting her own film, though it always seemed like a long shot. That is until recent reports showed that Marvel was moving forward with a script for a “Black Widow” film.
Now, with Johansson making the publicity rounds to promote “Avengers: Infinity War,” Entertainment Tonight took the opportunity to touch base with her about the “Black Widow” film, and the star opened up about her willingness to reprise the role yet again.
“I love playing this character, and I think there is definitely an opportunity to explore the Widow as a woman who has come into her own and is making independent and active choices for herself, probably for once in her life,” Johansson said. “You know, she hasn’t always had that possibility. If it fit that criteria, then it would make me want to do it.”
For years, MCU players like Robert Downey Jr. and “Thor: Ragnarok” director Taika Waititi alike have joined fans in showing their desire to see Widow stand all on her own in a solo film. However, Johansson makes a good point about the timing of such an adventure, one she’s mentioned in the past relating to her career as well as the character’s arc.
Since we first met Widow in “Iron Man 2,” Black Widow has always been a team player, working either for S.H.I.E.L.D. or the Avengers. We have yet to see what path Natasha Romanoff would choose were she truly free to go her own way, and a solo film — though it would likely feature fellow heroes in supporting roles — would implicitly limit the team aspect to focus more on her personal journey.
Of course, this is all pure speculation at this point. We still have no clue where Black Widow will wind up after the game-changing events of “Infinity War” and its untitled sequel. Plus, there’s always the chance that her own film takes the origin story/prequel route, like next year’s “Captain Marvel.” However, we know how well a Russian spy origin story with a female lead can go wrong (looking at you, “Red Sparrow“).
So, all we can do now is hope that the project comes together soon and doesn’t resemble its own “Saturday Night Live” parody.