Every original Avenger brings a distinct set of experiences and abilities to the group. What’s equally important, though, are their individual histories, challenges, and characteristics that contribute to the team’s cohesion. Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff may not be the most physically formidable Avenger, but her role within the team is more significant than many might realize.
Scarlett Johansson undoubtedly embodies the essence of Black Widow. While in her early portrayals, she depicted the character as a ruthless assassin, she later revealed the multifaceted nature of the role. It’s difficult to envision anyone else but the seasoned actress in this role, but before her casting, there were other well-known names in consideration for the part. Ironically, these actresses were also a part of Marvel.
Jessica Biel
The 7th Heaven star, Jessica Biel, was a contender for the role of Natasha Romanoff, and to be fair, the concept isn’t entirely implausible. The character has a historical reputation for being as alluring and captivating as she is formidable.
While Jessica Biel was predominantly cast as a love interest in the period leading up to Iron Man 2, she did accumulate her fair share of action credentials. It’s worth recalling her portrayal of Abigail Whistler in another Marvel movie, Blade: Trinity.
Angelina Jolie
Before Scarlett Johansson secured the role, the Maleficent luminary was in the running to portray the super spy. Angelina Jolie’s acting prowess arguably outshines all other contenders on this list, with two Oscar nominations (one win for Girl, Interrupted) and two Emmy nominations to her name.
Angelina Jolie’s acting prowess and undeniable allure would have made her an ideal candidate for the role, not to mention her experience in action-packed films like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Although she mostly avoided franchise roles, her recent appearance as Thena in Eternals marks a departure from that trend, hinting at more to come in her future within the cinematic universe.
Natalie Portman
Before she wielded Mjölnir and became the Goddess of Thunder and even before her role as Thor’s former flame, the talented Black Swan actress was in contention to portray Black Widow. It might be a bit challenging to imagine this scenario now, given that both Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson have become iconic in their respective Marvel roles.
Natalie Portman would have undoubtedly brought a distinct essence to the character, although she ultimately excelled as Jane Foster. In the Thor trilogy, Foster’s role was relatively less active, serving as a secondary character and love interest. However, her character is poised for a significant transformation as she takes on the Mighty Thor mantle in Taika Waititi’s upcoming film, Thor: Love and Thunder.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba is no stranger to donning a superhero costume, most notably recognized for her role as Susan Storm, also known as The Invisible Woman, in the Fantastic Four films.
Her potential as Black Widow would have added an interesting dynamic, considering her onscreen brother in those films, Chris Evans, would later portray Captain America, a close ally of Black Widow.
Black Widow is available for streaming on Disney+.
