Scarlett Johansson has played Natasha Romanoff — better known as Black Widow — for a decade. The former KGB assassin was introduced in 2010’s “Iron Man 2,” and now, after appearing in supporting roles in over half a dozen Marvel titles, she’s finally getting a standalone film. “Very few actors can say that they’ve worked on a character for 10 years then suddenly have a chance to delve deep into the inner workings of this person,” Johansson says in a new featurette for “Black Widow.”
The spot sees the recent Oscar nominee discussing the evolution of Black Widow, beginning with her first time playing the character. “I would love to take this character in every different direction — the possibilities are really endless,” Johansson gushes. Now — at long last — Natasha’s arc is finally getting the attention it deserves. “This is one movie people have been asking us to make for a very long time — more so than any other film,” Marvel’s Kevin Feige acknowledges.
We also hear from “Black Widow’s” director, Cate Shortland, who says that she’s “excited for people to see the real Black Widow.” The “Berlin Syndrome” filmmaker explains, “She’s not the classic hero because she has a dark past. You get to see all these facets of her that we’ve never ever seen before.”
Johansson is up for two Oscars this year: actress in a supporting role for “Jojo Rabbit” and actress in a leading role for “Marriage Story.” The ceremony will take place February 9.
“Black Widow” arrives in theaters May 1. Check out the featurette, and a newly released trailer for the pic, below.
