Black Widow: Scarlett Johansson recalls being ‘second choice’ to Emily Blunt for Marvel role

Blunt had to drop out of 2010’s ‘Iron Man 2’ due to scheduling conflicts with a forgotten Jack Black comedy

Scarlett Johansson has recalled being “second choice” for her Black Widow role, and only winning the part after Emily Blunt dropped out.

The actor has played the Marvel superhero since 2010’s Iron Man 2, but admitted that she appreciated the role more after first being turned down for it.

“I was really excited to work with [director Jon Favreau],” Johansson told Parade Magazine, remembering having a “wonderful” meeting with the filmmaker. “So I said, ‘If this doesn’t work out, I’m an actor for hire, so call me anytime.’”

Blunt was originally cast as the character, but was then forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with the Jack Black comedy Gulliver’s Travels.

Johansson recalled her excitement at eventually getting the part.

“The best call you can receive is after you are rejected for something and then you get it,” she said. “You appreciate it more. I’ve basically made a career out of being second choice.”

She continued: “Since a very young age, I’ve been rejected constantly. When people starting out ask me for advice, I always say to stay open-minded, because you never know.”

Black Widow, Johansson’s solo movie for the character, was among the first high-profile films to be pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic. While it was due to hit cinemas next month, it will instead be unveiled on 6 November.