Published By: Sayan Paul

Happy Birthday, Emily Blunt: Not Scarlett Johansson - SHE Was The First Choice For 'Black Widow'

Scarlett Johansson plays Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. However, the role was originally intended for Emily Blunt.

Speaking about Emily Blunt, the legendary Meryl Streep once remarked that she is "the best young actress I've worked with in some time… perhaps ever." And that actually makes complete sense because, if you think about it, Blunt has already showcased an incredible range in her career - something we haven't seen much since Streep (consider her prime). She shines in literally every genre of cinema - from heart-wrenching dramas to gripping thrillers to slapstick comedies to jaw-dropping actions to whatnot. She knows when to restrain herself on the screen and when to go all out and dominate the scene like a queen. The kind of control that she has over her craft is what makes her performances so effective, and so powerful.

Emily Blunt in ‘Oppenheimer’

Born on February 23, 1983, Emily Blunt is currently one of the world's highest-paid actresses. With several blockbusters to her credit, she stands tall in the industry and is an inspiration for every artist in every corner of the globe. Having said that, her career would have shone even brighter had she not rejected some offers.

(Credit: Actress Queens)

Today, on Blunt's 42nd birthday, let's learn an interesting fact about her that you didn't know.

Emily Blunt Was The First Choice For 'Black Widow'

Yes, you read it absolutely right! Emily Blunt was the first choice of Marvel Studios to play Black Widow. Although she was quite interested in playing the role, she had to turn it down due to her prior commitment to other projects.

As the actress later shared in an interview, "I was contracted to do Gulliver’s Travels. I didn’t want to do Gulliver’s Travels. It was a bit of a heartbreak for me because I take such pride in the decisions that I make, and they mean so much to me, the films that I do… It’s not that it’s beneath me. I love Iron Man and when I got offered Black Widow, I was obsessed with Iron Man. I wanted to work with Robert Downey Jr. — it would’ve been amazing. But I don’t know if superhero movies are for me. They’re not up my alley. I don’t like them. I really don’t."

(Credit: best of emily blunt)

It is worth noting that Scarlett Johansson was Marvel Studios' second choice for the role. As Blunt said no to the role, it eventually went to Johansson, and the rest is history. Later, speaking about the same, Blunt said in an interview, "Come on, the best girl got it."

When Scarlett Johansson Spoke About It

Scarlett Johansson wanted to do Black Widow from the very beginning but was rejected as the house preferred Blunt. And it's not only this role; the actress - surprisingly - has been rejected consistently throughout her career, only getting to play several of her iconic roles after others had passed them up.

(Credit: Mcu Content)

Speaking about the same, Johansson once said in an interview, "Since a very young age, I've been rejected constantly. The best call you can receive is after you are rejected for something, and then you get it. You appreciate it more. I’ve basically made a career out of being second choice.”

Johansson began portraying Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film 'Iron Man 2'. She reprised the role in eight films, leading up to her solo feature 'Black Widow'.

Notably, Emily Blunt was also offered the role of Peggy Carter in the 2011 MCU film, 'Captain America: The First Avenger'. She turned it down because, in her words, "It just didn't work out scheduling-wise”. That role was eventually played by Hayley Atwell.