The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an ever expanding place. Spanning years and 14 films (so far), it seems like there is no shortage of comic book stories to be explored on the silver screen. But while Phase Three will help make the MCU a more diverse and inclusive place, there is one project that still hasn't happened, to fans' chagrin. That's right, I'm talking about a Black Widow solo movie starring franchise favorite Scarlett Johansson. Black Widow has been in the universe since way back to 2010's Iron Man 2, yet she hasn't been given a solo movie to truly flesh out the character. Now the actress has offered up a reason as to why.
Scarlett Johansson recently graced the cover of Total Film Magazine (via Games Radar) in order to publicize her upcoming role in Ghost in the Shell. Eventually the subject changed to Marvel, where the actress detailed why she hasn't been given a solo movie yet. She said,
I've talked to Kevin Feige about it. We're creatively really compatible. I think we both agree that the character is right for a standalone, it's just a case of timing at this point for both Marvel and myself. Marvel has a really huge roster. They're looking four years ahead. I also have a lot of things that I want to do. If I did it, I would dedicate myself completely to making it amazing. It would have to be the best version that movie could possibly be. Otherwise, I would never do it.
Not to point any fingers, but it looks like Black Widow hasn't been given a solo treatment due to Marvel's folly, rather than Scarlett Johansson. Let's break down exactly what the actress revealed.
To start, Scarlett Johansson does have a point in regards to scheduling. Marvel Studios plans their Phases of films many years in advance, so it's unlikely that they'll just choose to add a new one for Scar Jo to star in. With so many balls in the air regarding the slew of characters set to appear in Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel probably doesn't have much wiggle room in regards to storytelling. And because Infinity War will feature presumably every major character we've been introduced to, the Russo Brothers have to make every single scene purposeful. And adding a whole new movie might seriously mess up Black Widow's arc in the upcoming films.
Then again, Scarlett Johansson seems more than ready to lead a MCU installment. And considering that she was the highest grossing actor of 2016, a Black Widow movie will likely make a ton of money at the box office, especially if another familiar face or two are included. My money would be on Hawkeye, a similarly underused member of the original Avengers. So Marvel needs to hurry up and schedule the solo movie for Phase Four so the fans can finally relax and know it's coming.
Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow can next be seen in Avengers: Infinity War, which is set to hit theaters on May 4th, 2018.
