Scarlett Johansson, one of the lead actresses in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently spoke up about the lack of female representation in the franchise. In a conversation with Gwyneth Paltrow on “The Goop Podcast,” Johansson reflected on her journey within the Marvel franchise, playing Natasha Romanoff throughout nine Marvel movies, including the 2021 standalone film “Black Widow.”
At the beginning of the franchise, Johansson and Paltrow, who played Pepper Potts, were some of the few female characters onscreen. While Paltrow and the rest of the cast of “Iron Man 2” were excited to have Johansson join the cast for the film, subsequent Marvel movies Johansson starred in did not feature many other female characters.
Johansson recalled that she and Cobie Smulders, who played Maria Hill, were some of the few other female actors on the set during “The Avengers.” “It was like a big sausage party,” Johansson said.
This is not the first time Johansson has spoken up about the lack of female representation in the Marvel franchise. She has previously expressed her desire for an all-women Marvel movie, stating that the group of actresses is “incredibly powerful” and that audiences want it.
However, Johansson also revealed during the podcast that she is through playing Black Widow, as she feels she has done all that she had to do. After playing a character again and again over a decade, Johansson believes it is time to move on.
Despite her departure from the Marvel franchise, Johansson’s words on the lack of female representation remain powerful. With more conversations and advocacy, we can hope to see greater diversity and representation in our favorite movies and franchises.
