Marvel Studios
The 2021 Marvel film “Black Widow” has always been an enigma. The decision to give the only female Avenger her standalone movie posthumously, following her demise in “Avengers: Endgame”, has raised many eyebrows. The movie, in essence, is a prequel that unfolds during the climax of “Captain America: Civil War”. The narrative of the film leverages the cryptic references to Widow’s past from “The Avengers”, ranging from “Dreykov’s daughter” to a covert operation in Budapest. This has once again demonstrated that the fandom often misinterprets a character’s offscreen past as a setup for a spin-off.
Having watched “Black Widow”, the reasons for its deferment to Phase 4 become clear. The movie primarily serves as a transition of the ‘Widow’ mantle from Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) to her younger sibling, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). Pugh has since reprised her role as Yelena in the Disney+ series “Hawkeye” and is set to star in the upcoming “Thunderbolts*” alongside other Marvel anti-heroes.
Despite her dramatic acting background, Pugh’s charisma and comedic prowess, coupled with her improvisational skills, make her a perfect fit for any Marvel blockbuster. However, Pugh wasn’t Marvel’s initial pick for Yelena. The role was originally offered to Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, as revealed by journalist Justin Kroll on “The Town with Matthew Belloni” podcast. Kroll mentioned that Marvel wasn’t Ronan’s “cup of tea”, a sentiment echoed by Ronan in a recent interview with Deadline, where she stated, “I can’t see myself doing Marvel.” (She seems more inclined towards James Bond though…)
Marvel’s preference for Ronan in “Black Widow” can be attributed to “Hanna”, directed by Joe Wright. In one of her early career-defining roles, Ronan plays a child super-soldier fleeing from the CIA in “Hanna”, a premise eerily similar to “Black Widow”. Pugh and Ronan have shared screen space before as the March sisters in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of “Little Women”. It appears that Pugh was the second choice to Ronan for both the role of Laurie’s love interest in “Little Women” and “Black Widow”.
Saoirse Ronan’s Near Miss with Marvel’s Scarlet Witch
Marvel Studios
“Black Widow” isn’t the only Marvel venture that courted Saoirse Ronan. During the making of “Avengers: Age of Ultron”, Ronan was the muse for writer-director Joss Whedon while crafting the character of Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch. However, the role ultimately went to Elizabeth Olsen, who has been a mainstay in the Marvel Cinematic Universe from 2014 to 2022 (and possibly beyond).
In a 2013 interview with the Mary Sue, Ronan expressed her enthusiasm for the then-rumored casting:
“I love Joss and I love those films, and I love his handle on them and how he portrayed these kinds of superheroes. I think it’s very different from what anyone else has done. So yeah, I’d love to be in it.”
A decade can bring about significant changes. Judging from Ronan’s earlier roles in “Hanna” and the sci-fi romance “The Host”, it seemed like she was steering her career towards action-oriented roles or perhaps saw a Marvel movie as her ticket to stardom. Fast forward to the present, she has established herself as a dramatic actress, while Marvel Studios has become a byword for formulaic filmmaking.
Ronan has not featured in any blockbuster or action films in the past decade. She has focused on smaller-scale dramas and comedies and has expressed her desire to try her hand at directing. At this juncture, the demanding schedule of a Marvel contract might seem more of a hassle than a boon. As for Florence Pugh, the success of “Thunderbolts*” will likely be the deciding factor if she’s in for the long run as Black Widow.
“Thunderbolts*” is slated for release on May 2, 2025.
FAQs
Why was “Black Widow” a prequel?
The movie was set in the past to explore the history and backstory of the character after her death in “Avengers: Endgame”.
Who was the first choice for the role of Yelena Belova?
Irish actress Saoirse Ronan was the first choice for the role, but she declined the offer.
Who ended up playing Yelena Belova?
The role of Yelena Belova was ultimately played by Florence Pugh.
What is the release date for “Thunderbolts*”
“Thunderbolts*” is scheduled for release on May 2, 2025.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
