How Scarlett Johansson Went from a ‘Lowball Offer’ to Making History with Marvel’s Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, better known as Black Widow, has become one of the most iconic roles in modern cinema. So closely tied to the character that it’s nearly impossible to imagine anyone else in the role, Johansson’s journey to becoming the face of Black Widow was anything but straightforward. In fact, when she first signed on to play the Russian spy, it was considered a “terrible deal” for her career. Yet, what seemed like a misstep in the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ultimately turned into a history-making opportunity.

A Risky Start: From “Second Choice” to Marvel’s Savior

The year was 2009, and the MCU was in its early stages. Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk had just launched the franchise, with subtle hints at an interconnected universe, teasing the future of superhero films. As Marvel began planning Iron Man 2, they sought to introduce the character of Natasha Romanoff, the enigmatic Black Widow. Their first choice for the role was Emily Blunt, who seemed a natural fit for the tough, skilled spy.

However, Blunt was contractually bound to film Gulliver’s Travels alongside Jack Black, and despite her excitement about Iron Man and her desire to work with Robert Downey Jr., she couldn’t commit. “It was a bit of a heartbreaker for me,” Blunt confessed to Howard Stern in 2021. “I would have loved to play Romanoff, but I don’t know if superheroes are for me. They’re not up my alley.”

With Blunt unavailable, Marvel turned to their second choice—Scarlett Johansson. At the time, Johansson had been in the spotlight for critically acclaimed roles in The Other Boleyn Girl and Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Yet, her early foray into comic book movies had been less than successful. Her first attempt at the genre, The Spirit (2008), had underperformed, and her experience with action blockbusters, like Michael Bay’s The Island (2005), was widely considered a flop.

This, perhaps, is why Johansson was able to sign a contract that was seen as unfavorable by many industry insiders. According to reports, Marvel offered Johansson a lowball deal, tying her to multiple films within the growing MCU. “It’s as bad as any deal that I’ve heard,” one insider described to Deadline’s Nikki Finke. “It’s lowball money, and it ties her to countless movies, including The Avengers.”

The Turnaround: From “Terrible Deal” to Hollywood Royalty

What seemed like a subpar deal for Johansson at the time quickly turned into an incredibly profitable venture. Over the next decade, Johansson played Black Widow in eight MCU films, including all four Avengers movies, two Captain America installments, and her own solo Black Widow film.

This decision, initially criticized, proved to be one of the best career moves Johansson could have made. By 2018 and 2019, Johansson became the highest-paid female actor in Hollywood, earning $40 million in 2018 and $56 million in 2019, largely thanks to her iconic role as Romanoff. Moreover, her role in the MCU solidified her place as the highest-grossing female box office star of all time.

A Legacy Cemented: A Decade of Black Widow

Johansson’s portrayal of Black Widow is more than just a lucrative career choice; it’s a legacy. Over the course of 10 years, she developed the character into one of the most beloved and empowering figures in the MCU, serving as a role model for millions of fans, especially women. “I absolutely loved every filming experience I had, working 10 years with Marvel and with that amazing cast, and I love the character Natasha,” Johansson told Variety in 2023. “I have a lot of empathy for her, and it was amazing to build that character over such a long period of time.”

Johansson’s bond with the character is undeniable. Natasha Romanoff became a symbol of strength, resilience, and vulnerability—traits that resonated deeply with audiences. As the only woman in the original Avengers lineup, Black Widow played a vital role in the team and, ultimately, in shaping the broader narrative of the MCU.

A Shrewd Gamble: Financial and Personal Success

By the time Johansson bowed out of the role in 2021, following the release of Black Widow, she had made history—not only as one of the most successful and influential actresses in Hollywood but also as a trailblazer for women in superhero films. Her decision to sign on to the MCU, despite the less-than-ideal contract, transformed her career and the landscape of Hollywood, demonstrating that taking risks can lead to incredible rewards.

What was once perceived as a “terrible deal” turned into a defining chapter in Scarlett Johansson’s career. Her decision to play Natasha Romanoff proved that sometimes, the most unexpected choices can lead to a legacy that resonates for years to come.