Black Widow will sting no more, at least in the movies. In a recent appearance on Gwyneth Paltrow’s podcast Gloop (because of course Gwyneth Paltrow’s podcast is called Gloop; I know it’s the name of her product line, but still, it screams Gwyneth Paltrow), Scarlett Johansson told her fellow Marvel actress that she’s done playing superspy Natasha Romanoff in the superhero mega-franchise.
“I’m done. Chapter’s over. I kind of did all that I had to do. Also, coming back and playing a character again and again like that over a decade of time is such a unique experience.”
Paltrow, conversely, left the door open for a return when Johansson asked her the same question, though she doubts it’ll happen.
“Does that mean you’re also done with Marvel?”
“I think so. I mean, I didn’t die, so I guess they can always ask me.”
“I think you may come back at some point.”
“Really? As 64-year-old Pepper Potts? How great!”
I don’t think Paltrow will come back unless they manage to get Robert Downey Jr. to return. I like her as Pepper Potts, but what reason would she have to show up without Tony Stark? She’s a side character tied to one particular hero. As for Johansson, considering the way the MCU is going right now, I don’t blame her. Aside from the fact that she died in Avengers: Endgame, she came back for a prequel that wasn’t well received and bombed at the box office. And unlike someone like Chris Evans, who hasn’t found much success outside of playing Captain America (which, if the word on Ghosted is to be believed, isn’t likely to change soon), she’s been in some acclaimed films, like Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. Those weren’t blockbusters, but Marriage Story was a big deal for Netflix, and Jojo Rabit made a nice profit; moreover, she received praise for her performances in both. She has options, in other words, so if she doesn’t want to put on a leather outfit and fight aliens again, she doesn’t have to.
Incidentally, the first part of the interview, where Paltrow and Johansson discuss movies, is an interesting listen. Apparently, there were rumors that they didn’t get along on the set of Iron Man 2, which they say were false. And Johansson talks about what it feels like making Avengers movies at different stages of your life. The rest, where they move on to beauty products, is less interesting.
Agreed, I can watch them anytime and be drawn in completely. I’m glad Scarlett Johansson isn’t dependent on them; I think she’s a really good actress, and she never rested on her laurels like some of them did. Even while the MCU was going on, she appeared in other things that did well and/or were acclaimed. She is a great example; it’s just her voice, but she was so great in it people brought up the idea of whether she could be nominated for an Oscar just for voice. And she’s worked with filmmakers like the Coen Brothers and Wes Anderson in-between Marvel movies. She’s been smart about her career.
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What is the prime ages for an actor? It should be noted. You never say NO to Marvel, but Marvel’s best days are behind it. Just watched Avengers again yesterday just to see RDJ as Tony talking about tech and physics. I would call Scarlett a fool for turning down Marvel, but she is correct. All of that stuff is over. What a great run it was. Marvel made them all legends. Those were great movies, the Avengers ones.