Hollywood actress Emily Blunt has shared her thoughts on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) role that could have been hers. The spotlight was on Blunt as rumors swirled about her potential portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, in the iconic film “Iron Man 2.” In an intimate conversation on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Blunt candidly discussed her perspective on Scarlett Johansson ultimately landing the role and delivering an impressive performance across multiple films.
Blunt graciously acknowledged Johansson’s triumph, saying, “Come on, the best girl got it,” while also praising Johansson’s remarkable talent. This insight was reported by Deadline, shedding light on the camaraderie and respect between the actresses.
Johansson’s portrayal of Black Widow spanned several MCU films, including “The Avengers” (2012), “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014), “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015), “Captain America: Civil War” (2016), “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018), “Captain Marvel” (2019), “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), and her standalone feature, “Black Widow” (2021).
Beyond the role of Black Widow, Blunt’s name has been linked to other MCU characters. Reports suggest she was considered for roles like “Captain Marvel,” which eventually went to Brie Larson, and Peggy Carter, portrayed by Hayley Atwell.
Additionally, the part of Sue Storm in “Fantastic Four” went to Jessica Alba and Kate Mara in various adaptations, leaving Blunt associated with a web of speculations. However, Blunt dismisses these claims, stating that they remain in the realm of “rumors, talk, queries,” affirming that she never engaged with producers or directors about these opportunities.
Since Black Widow’s MCU debut in 2012, Blunt has graced the silver screen with a diverse array of roles. From “The Five-Year Engagement” (2012) to “Oppenheimer,” her filmography demonstrates her versatility. In a candid interview on the Howard Stern show in 2019, Blunt shared her decision-making journey, revealing that she had been contractually bound to a project she wasn’t passionate about – “Gulliver’s Travels” in 2010. This experience underscores her dedication to selecting roles that align with her values and artistic vision.
While the world missed the chance to witness Blunt as Black Widow, her career trajectory has continued to thrive with an impressive range of roles. Blunt’s reflections on the MCU offer insight into the challenges and opportunities that shape an actor’s journey in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.
