Can't imagine anybody else playing Captain America but Chris, says Scarlett Johansson
Revisiting her role of Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow in Marvel’s 'Captain America: Civil War' is a pleasure for Scarlett Johansson. “I really can’t think of any other opportunity, certainly in this format in film, where I would have the chance to grow with the character as I have,” says the actor. “When we first met Natasha in ‘Iron Man 2,’ she was Natalie and you got to see her undercover work. It wasn’t until the end of that film that her true identity was revealed as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. We see her in her own environment in “Avengers,” as a functioning agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. In the second Captain America movie, my character starts to question her identity and her own choices. In “Avengers 2” she allowed herself to want things and to envision a life for herself outside of this universe. Now that we find her again and after all we know from what’s happened in “Avengers 2,” she has a greater calling and I think that’s what makes this character really heroic.”
In the movie, as the Sokovian Accords lead to oversight of the Avengers and the Avengers split into two opposing sides over the issue, Natasha has to choose a side. Johansson explains her character’s point of view, “Natasha sees the Sokovian Accords as something that probably would not be so complicated. I think she sees it as an obstacle, in the way of the greater picture. She is looking at it as a strategic stance. The path of least resistance is not necessarily the wrong path. We can duck undercover for a while, do what we always do and move on when the time is right. But of course, things get very complicated because obviously there are a lot of personalities involved.”
Continuing, she adds, “Some other characters take this very personally, but Natasha’s strong point is that she doesn’t take anything personally, which allows her to have a much clearer perspective than some of the other characters. That also positions her well for a leadership position because she’s very fair- minded.”
Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff.
Despite her loyalty and friendship with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Natasha disagrees with his position and in a surprise move, joins Tony Stark’s team, in support of governmental oversight. But that does not necessarily mean she’s a fan of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). “Natasha is a bit torn in her relationship with Tony,” offers Johansson. “I think she really sees Tony very clearly and sees his weaknesses as being a danger for the team. That kind of hazard that we’ve seen in the past films is very real and involves a lot of casualties. Tony is very emotional and that’s scary for Natasha, especially when you’re talking about the number of lives that are at stake and these huge, life-changing, decisions this team is responsible for making.”
Though Natasha’s relationship with Steve Rogers suffers with her choice to join Stark’s team, Johansson says, “Natasha hopes that Steve lives his life, not just his work life. That’s what she wants for him because I think she sometimes sees versions of herself in him, as different as those characters are. Maybe she doesn’t want him to live with the sense of loss that she feels.”
Scarlett as Natasha with Captain America.
Johansson looked forward to working with Chris Evans again on Marvel’s 'Captain America: Civil War'. “I cannot imagine anybody but Chris playing this role,” says Johansson. “It’s a very difficult role to play because you have this character that has a very strong moral compass. It can be challenging to find the conflict in that. Conflict is what makes characters interesting. But Chris has grounded this character in something very human—a kind of longing, a regret, a loss of identity. He’s questioning the choices that have been made for him. And that’s where the conflict lies. To watch Chris, as an actor and also as a person, grow with that character and to have a deeper understanding of what it means to be self-reflective is awesome. He’s always a pleasure to work with and it’s really great because our characters have been able to deepen the dynamic of their relationship this time around.”
When Black Panther comes on scene, Natasha sees a Super Hero with potential. “I think she sees him as someone who’s smart, emotionally grounded, unexpected and highly skilled,” says Johansson. “She’s interested in him and interested in recruiting him.”
Working with Chadwick Boseman, who plays Black Panther,was a plus for Johansson. “I’ve gotten to do a couple of scenes with Chadwick, and they’ve been great,” comments Johansson. “He’s such a soulful actor and so professional, so present. He really gives so much to the other person. As the universe grows and expands, Marvel is so consistent at cherry picking such fine actors to bring onto the team. He’s added to this group immensely. He’s awesome and his presence on set raises the stakes a little bit for everybody.”
Shooting the epic battle scene between the two Avengers warring factions was an experience that Johansson will always remember. “It was pretty surreal having that face-off with everybody on the tarmac,” relates Johansson. “There have been a few moments in these films where you look around and realize you’re in good company. You’ve got your costume on and you’re ready to kick some booty. I remember doing the first ‘Avengers’ and all of us getting together in the circle and having our hero moment and again in ‘Avengers 2.’ This scene felt like that kind of unbelievable epic moment where you know this is really big.”
On working on location in Germany, Johansson offers, “I like the lifestyle. It brings a unity amongst the crew when we’re all experiencing these sometimes challenging, sometimes exciting, sometimes strange experiences—things that bring us out of our comfort zone. I like that, so it’s been fun this time to come here. I haven’t really had the opportunity in the past. When the films have gone to Korea or parts of Africa, I haven't been able to tag along. So this time I feel like I had my international experience.”
Describing her look in the movie, Johansson says, “The suit has had many incarnations but it’s pretty streamlined. This time around we gave her a sleeker uniform look. In the past it’s been utilitarian-looking. This time it’s a little bit closer to the actual comics, which I think the fans will like. There’s something about it that’s kind of basic and I like that. It doesn’t have crazy bells and whistles. But I actually don’t really wear my suit that much in this movie. I’m more in my regular civilian clothing.”
In Marvel’s 'Captain America: Civil War', Natasha has a lot of hand-to-hand combat and some gun play as well. “Whether I’m in the suit or in the civilian clothes, whether it’s Natasha or Black Widow, the idea is that these characters can still maintain the dynamics of their relationships with all the other characters and it’s sort of seamless,” says Johansson. “When you see somebody fighting in the super suit and you know them as the person that they really are, it ups the stakes for the audience, which grounds these movies even in these unbelievable locations or outfits.”
A still from 'The Avengers'.
Commenting on her second time working with directors Anthony and Joe Russo, Johansson says, “The Russos bring a grittier side to the Cap movies. They’re very grounded. There’s something very practical and tactile about the way that they work. They cut the fat out of stuff, which is awesome, especially when you have something this epic with this many characters.”
When moviegoers sit down to watch Marvel’s 'Captain America: Civil War', Johansson thinks that the conflict between both sides is what will start the conversation rolling. “When they leave the theater, they can hopefully still argue for either side. It will give them something to take home. We build a case for either side and as the stakes become higher and higher, the personal stakes rise as well,” says Johansson.
