Scarlett Johansson: Black Widow Solo Movie is ‘A Possibility’

While Iron Man 2 is considered one of the weaker films within the MCU, if there is one saving grace to come out of the movie it was Scarlett Johansson being cast as Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow. She quickly stole the hearts of viewers, and Marvel gave her increasingly larger roles, such as being the unofficial co-lead of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This is seemingly where the push for a Black Widow solo movie started, but the call for action became the loudest earlier this year in the lead up and fall out of Captain America: Civil War.

Even though viewers have had the chance to get to know Romanoff briefly, there is still much about the character’s past experiences and current whereabouts that remain a mystery. With more people getting behind the Black Widow push, it seems like it is only a matter of time before an official announcement is made. In the meantime, Johansson believes the potential solo film will remain a possibility as long as fans express their desire to see it.


Variety recently talked to Johansson about her role as Black Widow and journey through the MCU, but the conversation eventually turned to prospects of the character’s future. Between Kevin Feige stating they are “committed” to a solo film, the Russo brothers hoping for the movie, and Joss Whedon being interested to direct, there is a lot of momentum just this year behind the project, and Johansson is obviously onboard under the right circumstances.

I would like for it to happen under the right circumstances. I think there’s a lot of opportunity to mine that story line. She’s got a really rich origins story. There’s a lot of places you can go — you can bring it back to Russia. You could explore the Widow program. There’s all kinds of stuff that you could do with it. You could really uncover the identity of who this person is, where she comes from and where she’s part of.

marvel black widow movie scarlett johansson Scarlett Johansson: Black Widow Solo Movie is ‘A Possibility’
As for what kind of movie would be made, Johansson could see either a prequel/origin story being told or the fallout of recent and future events being explored. No matter what direction the film takes, she wants it to be its own thing and thinks it is up to fans to make Marvel know how many people are interested.

It’s a possibility. There’s plenty of back story. Or not. It could be something else. Where do the Avengers go? They are underground. What happens then? What happens after it all falls apart? There are so many ways you can go. I think it would just have to be very much like its own specific thing. It would have to have its own specific vibe. It would have been totally different than any of the other standalone films. I think if the fans wanted it enough, then it would probably become a reality.


Johansson has already been in this role for six years, but could have many more years ahead of her in the suit. Still, she is not thrilled with wearing the leather, skin-tight outfit but will make it work for the time being. Any solo film will have to follow events of the larger films and most likely come in Phase 4, but conversations are still ongoing about the possibilities.

Yeah, of course. I talked to them about it often. It would have to fit in the idea of where they want to go. I’m invested in that character. Marvel is greatly invested in that character. If I did it, I’d have to do it while I still actually wanted to wear a skin-tight catsuit. I don’t know how much longer that’s going to be.

black widow movie johansson russo brothers Scarlett Johansson: Black Widow Solo Movie is ‘A Possibility’
If there is a sticking point to Johansson not wanting to wear the Black Widow suit, they could easily go down a similar route as Winter Soldier where she is undercover and doesn’t need to wear the outfit. If the wardrobe is the biggest complication in getting a Black Widow film, then chances of it being made are probably high. After all, Thanos could very well kill most of the familiar faces from Phases 1 and 2, and leaving Widow as a leading member of the Avengers post-Thanos would be interesting.

This solo film has the potential to bring a Bourne style flavor to the MCU. This has briefly been touched upon in Winter Soldier, but going full-on spy film would be a different take. There is also very little risk it would appear for Marvel to make a profit on the film. Johansson proved with Lucy that she can carry a film and is a big enough name to bring people in, so when the Marvel Studios logo is slapped in front of the film and a cameo or two from other MCU character are included, it is hard to imagine it being a failure.

There is currently no official plans for a Black Widow solo film, but Screen Rant will update you on any and all developments.

Doctor Strange opens November 4, 2016; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – May 5, 2017; Spider-Man: Homecoming– July 7, 2017; Thor: Ragnarok – November 3, 2017; Black Panther – February 16, 2018; Avengers: Infinity War – May 4, 2018; Ant-Man and the Wasp – July 6, 2018; Captain Marvel– March 8, 2019; Untitled Avengers – May 3, 2019; and as-yet untitled Marvel movies on July 12, 2019, and on May 1, July 10, and November 6 in 2020.