Scarlett Johansson Asked to Have ‘Thunderbolts*’ EP Credit Removed, Says Marvel Casts Get ‘So Enormous’ You Sometimes ‘Feel Like a Device’ to Move the Plot Along

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During a heartfelt chat for Interview magazine, I, Scarlett Johansson, shared that I’ve requested Marvel Studios to take away my executive producer credit from the highly anticipated “Thunderbolts” film. David Harbour, who graced the big screen in this blockbuster alongside Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and Julia Louis Dreyfus among others, was the leading star of “Thunderbolts.” Interestingly enough, Harbour and Pugh first crossed paths with me in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when we all made our debuts together in “Black Widow.

Today marks the premiere of a film where you play the seventh member of the Thunderbolt team. Your role is prominently featured throughout the movie, and you’ve also served as an executive producer for this project. That’s fantastic news!” Harbour commented during our conversation.

Johnansson explained that the credit given to her was unnecessary as she didn’t participate in it,” implying that the reason for her being credited was due to contractual obligations.

In another part of their conversation with Interview magazine, the stars of “Black Widow,” having portrayed the same character for ten years or more, discovered shared frustrations that come with such a long-term role. Scarlett Johansson played Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for 11 years.

She mentioned that some Marvel movies allowed her character to shine brighter than others. For instance, working with Chris Evans on ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ was particularly dynamic. However, in other films, the cast was vast and the plot complex, which made it feel like she was merely a tool to advance the storyline. Over five and a half months of this, it can become limiting – for example, she couldn’t even paint her nails or get a haircut. While these may seem trivial concerns, when you dedicate a significant amount of time to a job, especially one that doesn’t offer much acting challenge, it can make you feel somewhat restless.

After portraying Hopper in “Stranger Things” on Netflix for almost a decade, Harbor feels connected to Johansson. However, the show concludes with its fifth and last season, which is set to premiere during the upcoming holiday season.

Initially, Harbour expressed immense fondness for the experience. His friends who had been in television for several years warned him, “By seasons three or four, you’ll be in charge.” But he thought, “Never! I adore everyone so much.” However, at a certain juncture, he found himself questioning, “How many more stories are left?” He was playing similar character traits frequently, and there came a point when he felt, “I’m ready to take a risk. I want to try something new and unexpected.” So, after a decade, he thought, “Alright, it’s time.

In 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” Johansson’s character, Black Widow, met her end. The standalone film “Black Widow” was set as a prelude to those events. Since then, the actor has stated repeatedly that she won’t rejoin Marvel in future projects.

Johansson stated earlier this year to Vanity Fair that it’s challenging for her to comprehend why a return would be suitable for the character she portrays, as the storyline has been concluded. She cherishes her co-stars and wishes she could be with them always, but preserving the integrity of the character is crucial. This is also important for the fans.

Head over to Interview’s website to read Johansson’s latest interview with Harbour.

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2025-06-11 01:47