Marvel Studios Announces Mystery Project With Scarlett Johansson

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Updated:
Natasha Romanoff as Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson, Marvel Studios logo

Scarlett Johansson ended her MCU journey during Black Widow, but it seems that the actress is not done with Marvel Studios just yet. 

The award-winning star made her Marvel debut as Natasha Romanoff during 2010's Iron Man 2, helping out Tony Stark against Justin Hammer and Whiplash. After her impressive stint in the sequel, Johansson assembled with the rest of Earth's Mightiest Heroes in 2012's The Avengers

Johansson continued her MCU tenure after the Joss Whedon-directed movie, starring in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. Romanoff's in-universe time ended in Endgame, with the character sacrificing herself for the Soul Stone to save the universe. 

As the MCU moves forward with a new chapter, a new report confirmed that Johansson is back with Marvel Studios for another project. 

Scarlett Johansson Rejoins Marvel Studios 

During the American Cinematheque Awards Night held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige paid tribute to Black Widow actress Scarlett Johansson after the actress became the 35th recipient of the said award. 

Feige, via Deadline, praised Johansson for her "talent," "vision," intelligence, and savvy as an actress and producer. Feige also teased that the MCU veteran has a "top secret Marvel Studios project" down the line, confirming that it has nothing to do with Natasha Romanoff. 

Feige also mentioned that Johansson will serve as one of the producers of the upcoming project. 

Scarlett Johansson's Future MCU Project (Explained) 

After a messy legal battle with Disney over Black Widow's hybrid release, Scarlett Johansson appears to have moved on from the fiasco due to Feige's latest confirmation. 

Details about the "top secret" project are still being kept under wraps, but many would agree that Johansson's lengthy tenure in the MCU should serve as an advantage for her future Marvel endeavors. 

Given that the project is not Black Widow-related, it's reasonable to assume that Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova will not be involved. That said, it's possible that her next MCU project could include a female lead character. 

One running theory could be the long-rumored A-Force movie. Considering that Endgame delivered a memorable scene involving the female Avengers during the final battle, Marvel could finally be moving forward with the project. 

It is also fitting that Johansson would be attached to a potential A-Force project since she is the female Avenger that started it all during the Infinity Saga. 

On the flip side, other potential projects that Johansson could produce are Thunderbolts or even Avengers 5. There is also a chance that the actress could explore opportunities in Marvel Studios' animated branch as well. 

At this stage, the MCU's Phase 4 is stacked, but it's good to know that a franchise mainstay like Johansson will be involved in more projects in the future. 

- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news/features writer and Content Lead for The Direct who has been working for the site since March 2020. From writing about the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to having an extended knowledge about DC TV's Arrowverse, Aeron's expertise has since expanded into the realm of reality TV, K-drama, animated, and live-action shows from Netflix,  Disney+, Prime Video, MGM+, Peacock, Paramount+, and Max. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA (go Celtics!) and occasionally watches thrilling matches in the WWE.