That Time Black Widow’s Writer Ran Marvel Lines With Scarlett Johansson (And It Didn’t Go Quite How He Expected)

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Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, it appears that “Black Widow” has unexpectedly taken on significant importance for the franchise’s future. Despite not making a huge impact initially (due to factors largely beyond its control), it played a crucial role in the upcoming “Thunderbolts,” which could be vital to “Avengers: Doomsday.” Moreover, this film holds personal significance for its writer, who had an extraordinary experience collaborating with leading actress Scarlett Johansson on set.

*Please note that Thunderbolts and Avengers: Doomsday are fictional films in the context of this example.

One significant factor contributing to the tough release of “Black Widow” was its timing – it debuted during a global pandemic. Screenwriter Eric Pearson shared with The Hollywood Reporter that an unforgettable encounter with Scarlett Johansson occurred only because another cast member was probably suffering from one of the early stages of COVID-19 at the time, leading to Johansson stepping in. In essence, it seems that the pandemic played a role in shaping this meeting between Pearson and Johansson.

In January of 2020, we carried out our reshoots. It’s suspected that OT Fagbenle had COVID-19 at the time. Despite this, we remain good friends. He mentioned, “I haven’t missed a day of work in 20 years. I couldn’t even make it to the bathroom without my heart racing.” At that point, no one was aware of what COVID-19 was, but his condition prevented him from joining us.

Due to the harsh impact of the pandemic, the release of “Black Widow” was not a standard theatrical one but rather a hybrid one on Disney+. This decision eventually resulted in Scarlett Johansson filing a lawsuit against Disney, though they later reached an agreement.

Initially, most parts of the world didn’t enact full pandemic measures until March 2020, allowing for the Black Widow reshoots to proceed as usual. Since Fagbenle was unavailable, Pearson stepped in to deliver lines with Scarlett Johansson instead. The writer attempted to inject some humor into the actress’s work. It seems like it was fun, but only because Johansson graciously allowed it. He went on…

In another rendition: I had the chance to deliver his lines alongside Scarlett. There was a minor adjustment I made, hoping to throw her off, and she shot me a glance that said, ‘I’ve got skills that could make you look foolish, but I’m refraining because we’re friends.’ That moment remains special to me.

Attempting to purposefully cause Scarlett Johansson to stumble requires a certain degree of courage or camaraderie – something many people might not dare attempt. Such an action could reveal the depth of your friendship, for if it’s not as strong as believed, she would undoubtedly expose you in front of others.

It’s disheartening to think that Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Black Widow in the MCU might not continue beyond the upcoming “Avengers: Secret Wars”. Although there’s speculation about revived characters post-death, Johansson has consistently maintained that Black Widow is deceased. Even if the character returns, it may be with a different actress taking on the role.

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2025-08-21 04:38