Marvel Cast Someone Else For Black Widow, But Scarlett Johansson Dyed Her Hair Red And Made A Defiant Appearance To ‘Steal’ This Iconic Role Right From Under The Producer’s Nose! Before she became synonymous with the sleek, deadly Avenger Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the role was almost given to another actress. Initially, Emily Blunt was the top choice for the part in 2010’s Iron Man 2. However, Scarlett Johansson’s fierce determination, combined with an audacious, unannounced transformation, allowed her to quite literally “steal” the iconic role right from under the producers’ noses.
The Original Casting and Johansson’s Desire
When Marvel Studios was casting for Black Widow’s debut in Iron Man 2, Emily Blunt was offered the role but ultimately had to decline due to scheduling conflicts. This opened the door, however slightly, for other actresses. Scarlett Johansson, already a well-established star, was deeply keen on portraying the complex Russian spy. She understood the immense potential of the character and the growing MCU, and she was not going to let the opportunity slip away.
The Unofficial Audition: Red Hair and Killer Instinct
Knowing that standard auditions might not convey the full extent of her commitment and vision for the role, Johansson took a bold, proactive step that demonstrated her complete immersion into the character of Natasha Romanoff before she even had the part. The Transformation: Without any official instruction or guarantee, Johansson went out and dyed her hair a vibrant red—the signature color of Black Widow in the comic books. The Defiant Appearance: She then arranged a meeting with director Jon Favreau. When she walked into the room, she wasn’t just an actress vying for a role; she was, visually and energetically, Natasha Romanoff. Her red hair, combined with her intense demeanor, exuded the cool confidence and subtle danger of the spy. Director Favreau was reportedly stunned and completely convinced on the spot. “This is Natasha Romanoff,” he famously concluded.
Data and Destiny: A Decade of Domination
Johansson’s audacious move paid off spectacularly, leading to one of the most beloved and enduring characters in the MCU, cementing her status as a global action star. Johansson went on to play Black Widow in nine MCU films over a decade, from Iron Man 2 (2010) to her standalone film Black Widow (2021). These films collectively grossed tens of billions of dollars worldwide, making Black Widow a central figure in the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. Scarlett Johansson’s determination to embody Black Widow, even before she was cast, is a legendary tale of ambition and intuition, proving that sometimes, simply becoming the character is the most powerful audition of all.