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Scarlett Johansson, best known to Marvel fans as Natasha Romanoff, recently reflected on her time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe during a candid interview with Interview Magazine. Having portrayed Black Widow in nine Marvel films, Johansson left an undeniable legacy in the franchise, with her final appearance in Avengers: Endgame in 2019 marking the end of an era for her and fellow co-star Chris Evans. While fans continue to miss her presence in the MCU, the actress opened up about the emotional and professional complexities of being part of such a massive ensemble.
In her conversation, Johansson admitted that she sometimes felt “cagey” while working alongside the sprawling Avengers cast. She explained that while some Marvel films offered her character a deeper, more dynamic role—such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where she shared significant screen time with Chris Evans—others left her feeling more like a narrative tool. With so many characters and storylines to juggle, she said, it could feel as though her role was primarily to move the plot forward rather than explore her character’s depths. That lack of creative engagement, especially over the course of long shoots lasting several months, led to feelings of restlessness.
Johansson elaborated that being bound to such a large, tightly controlled production meant sacrificing personal freedoms, including simple things like painting her nails or getting a haircut. While she acknowledged these were “silly problems,” she also emphasized that when one’s identity becomes so tightly woven into a long-term role that lacks emotional payoff, it can become stifling. Her comments offer rare insight into the personal toll that comes with participating in blockbuster franchises, even for actors at the top of their game.
Shifting her focus beyond Marvel, Johansson has been making waves with her recent projects. Her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, received praise at the Cannes Film Festival, signaling a bold new chapter in her creative journey. Additionally, fans can look forward to seeing her on screen again in Jurassic World Rebirth, where she stars opposite Jonathan Bailey. The highly anticipated film is slated for release on July 4, marking a thrilling return to blockbuster cinema for the beloved actress.