Scarlett Johansson says Marvel's large casts made her feel like a ‘plot device' in some films, talks about personal limits

Time of India

12-06-2025

Scarlett Johansson, widely recognized for playing Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently shared her experience working in films with large ensemble casts. In an interview with Interview Magazine, Johansson spoke candidly about feeling 'cagey' during her time on some Marvel projects, especially when character depth took a backseat to expansive plotlines and star-studded lineups.
Johansson made her final MCU appearance in Avengers: Endgame, released in 2019. The film also marked the last appearance of Chris Evans, who played Captain America, concluding their journey in Marvel's Phase 3. The actress featured in a total of nine Marvel movies, becoming a key figure in the franchise.
Character depth varied across Marvel films
Johansson mentioned that her character had more screen engagement in certain films, particularly Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where she shared significant screen time and story arc with Chris Evans. 'Some of the films that I did for Marvel engaged my character more than others,' she said. 'Like in Captain America: The Winter Soldier with Chris, we were really dynamic.'
However, she pointed out that not every film offered the same creative involvement.
Being part of a large cast came with its challenges
Reflecting on her overall MCU journey, Johansson admitted feeling more like a functional piece in some of the bigger ensemble movies. 'In some of the other films, the cast was so enormous and there was so much plot to serve that you start to feel like you're a device to move it along,' she explained.
She also highlighted how such long commitments often blur personal identity, adding, 'If you're committed to five and a half months of that, it's like, 'Okay. I can't paint my nails; I can't get a haircut.''
Cannes praise and Jurassic world
Despite the mixed experience, Johansson is moving forward with new creative ventures. Her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, received positive attention at the Cannes Film Festival. She is also set to appear in Jurassic World Rebirth opposite Jonathan Bailey. The film is scheduled for release on July 4.