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Scarlett Johansson is the undisputed Black Widow, if there is one.As the ferocious and alluring superhero character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the actress surely made a lasting impression. But what if we told you that other well-known figures also had a chance to play an Avenger before Johansson was cast?
Surprisingly, for starters, we will certainly be shocked to learn that Emily Blunt was a contender for the iconic role. The surprise does not stop there, though.Indeed, other famous actresses from Hollywood were also given consideration for the Natasha Romanoff role.
Come along as we explore the fascinating behind-the-scenes details of these actresses, who, prior to Johansson, came dangerously close to playing Black Widow.
Also read:“He can get, like, very in his head sometimes”: Scarlett Johansson Reveals Colin Jost’s One Trait That Makes Their Marriage Work
1. Emily Blunt
The first actor to be considered for the role of Black Widow did not even receive an audition request. Yes, the first person included on our list isEmily Blunt, who was given serious consideration for the MCU role.Sadly, she was too busy shootingGulliver’s Travelsat the time to take on one of the most iconic roles in the MCU.
AQuiet Placeactor is more than capable of portraying an action-oriented role based on her film resume. She had a quality to her roles thatScarlett Johanssonwas unable to match, and it would have improved the Romanoff character.
2. Angelina Jolie
Before Scarlett Johansson was chosen for the super spy role, Angelina Jolie was also one of the contenders. The latteris clearly the most talented actor on this list; in addition to winning three Golden Globes and an Academy Award, she has been recognized as Hollywood’s highest-paid actress on several occasions. She would have been the ideal choice for the Black Widow role due to her acting and s*xual appeal, as well as her background in action-packed roles in movies likeMr. and Mrs. SmithandLara Croft: Tomb Raider.
However, she later became a part of the MCU as Thena during Phase Four, starring alongside Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, and Kumail Nanjiani inEternals.
3. Gemma Arterton
Long before Black Widow had the opportunity to gracefully walk onto the screen, Gemma Arterton was already making her way through Hollywood.She had already donned her espionage attire in the 2008James BondmovieQuantum of Solace,where she played Strawberry Fields. She was in serious competition to be the black-clad heroine before Scarlett Johansson won it.
With performances in action movies likePrince of Persia: The Sands of TimeandClash of the Titans,Artertonwas rapidly establishing herself in the latter half of the 2000s.
Also read:Scarlett Johansson’s Transformation in Avengers: Endgame Was Inspired From Major Character in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator 2
4. Jessica Biel
Since Jessica Biel was considered for the role, it is not entirely impossible to see her playing Natasha Romanoff. The character has always been beautiful and dangerous. While she mostly played s*xy love interests in the time leading up toIron Man 2, she did garner her share of action credits. Even though there was not much action in her prior roles, her strong on-screen presence showed that she is more than just your average girlfriend.
She has proven her abilities even now, as evidenced by her appearances in more serious roles such as the critically acclaimed seriesThe Sinnerand her true-crime Hulu miniseriesCandy.
5. Natalie Portman
Prior to the casting of Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman was under serious consideration for the role of Black Widow.She later played Jane Foster, Thor’s romantic interest, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.In comparison to Black Widow, Jane’s role did not initially require a lot more action and physicality, but that soon changed when Taika Waititi granted her the abilities of the God of Thunder inThor: Love and Thunder.
Also read:“He was a hunk back in those days”: Scarlett Johansson Admitted Her Crush on Her Co-star From $142 Million Movie
6. Jessica Alba
Well, there was also speculation that Jessica Alba was also considered for the role. She gained widespread recognition for playing Susan Storm, a.k.a. The Invisible Woman, in theFantastic Fourmovies. Given that her on-screen brother, Chris Evans, would eventually go on to become Black Widow’s partner and friend, Captain America himself, Alba would have made a compelling choice. Why?
Johansson was ultimately responsible for giving Natasha Romanoff life and solidifying her reputation as the beloved Black Widow that we love even today.
Stream her standalone film,Black Widow,on Disney Plus.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
