Just when fans believed that Scarlett Johansson had bid farewell to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she has expressed a renewed interest in making a comeback. However, this time she envisions a role behind the camera rather than reprising her iconic character, Black Widow (apologies, fans, but her character met a tragic end!). In a recent conversation with Deadline, Johansson revealed her enthusiasm for directing a film within the MCU, drawn by the allure of working on such a grand scale. She stated, “I think the movies that I like that are big action movies also have the human connectivity piece. Even producing Black Widow and being a part of the production of that, and the development of the story, and the story between Natasha and Yelena… [there is] I think there’s a way of doing it, a way of maintaining the integrity of the idea of human connection, family, disappointment, all of the themes in [Eleanor the Great], and executing it on such a grand scale in a massive universe — there are certainly ways to achieve that… So, yeah, definitely, it could be, it would be fun.”
The previously mentioned Eleanor the Great — which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and is competing in the Un Certain Regard section — represents a significant shift in Scarlett Johansson’s directing aspirations, showcasing her versatility and storytelling ability. This project stands in stark contrast to her previous work with Marvel, yet it has garnered acclaim for the performance of lead actress June Squibb, which is a testament to Johansson’s directorial capabilities and her commitment to quality storytelling.
Outside the realms of the Marvel Universe, which will continue to evolve without Johansson in the mix, she is set to venture into the Jurassic World franchise with the upcoming summer release of Rebirth. This film is set several years after the events of Dominion, promising thrilling new adventures in a world where dinosaurs roam freely and the stakes are higher than ever.
To date, Scarlett Johansson has embodied the character of Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow on nine occasions within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with her debut in 2010’s Iron Man 2 and culminating in her solo film, which was set before the events of 2019’s Endgame. In that pivotal film, her character made the ultimate sacrifice to secure the Soul Stone, leaving a lasting impact on the MCU storyline and her fans.
How do you feel about the prospect of Scarlett Johansson returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this time stepping into the role of director?
