Let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the first time we saw Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 back in 2010. As per Entertainment Weekly, Black Widow’s costume has undergone a significant transformation that mirrors her character development in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Johansson played a crucial role in shaping Black Widow’s style. She recalls the evolution of her character’s outfits in Captain America: Winter Soldier, where Natasha Romanoff started donning practical yet impressive attire. The movie, released in 2014, marked a turning point for Black Widow’s fashion, shifting away from traditional black tactical suits and towards more casual clothing. According to Johansson, these changes were not part of the original plan.
Marvel once had a different concept for Black Widow, envisioning her as a shape-shifter who would make her entrance in tennis whites and a blonde wig, according to actress Scarlett Johansson. However, the idea was quickly abandoned in favor of the iconic leather jacket and red hair that the character is known for today. The change in the character’s appearance wasn’t just about aesthetics, but also symbolized the breaking of traditional gender norms in superhero movies. Johansson credits her own confidence and the trust she gained from Marvel executives for the transformation, which she sees as a journey that unfolded alongside the maturation of both the character and the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. This evolution serves as a reminder of how actors can influence beloved characters and how cultural progress can impact their portrayal.