She’ll always be a supporter — but Scarlett Johansson doesn’t seem to be planning a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe anytime soon. In fact, she recently requested the removal of her executive producer credit from Thunderbolts*—a role she was initially listed for despite having no involvement in the project.
“I asked to have my credit removed because I wasn’t involved,” Johansson revealed in a candid conversation with Thunderbolts* cast member David Harbour for Interview Magazine. At the time of the interview, which coincided with the film’s theatrical release, she admitted she hadn’t even seen the movie yet. Harbour, who reprises his role as Red Guardian, pointed out her executive producer credit, prompting the clarification.
Harbour jokingly asked, “You hated the film that much?” To which Johansson swiftly responded, “No, you're just wanting that to be the case,” adding that she’s genuinely “proud” of the team behind the film.
According to IMDB, Johansson’s executive producer credit has since been removed. The film, which debuted in theaters last month, marks a unique chapter in the MCU’s evolving narrative.
In a separate interview with Deadline, Johansson expressed openness to staying connected to the MCU behind the camera, even if she’s stepping away from acting in it.
“Even producing Black Widow and being a part of the production of that, and the development of the story, and the story between Natasha and Yelena,” she explained, “[there is] a way of doing it — a way of maintaining the integrity of the idea of human connection, family, disappointment, all of the things that were themes in [Eleanor the Great], and doing it in a giant way in a giant universe. There are ways of doing that… So, yeah, definitely, it could be. It would be fun.”
Meanwhile, Marvel’s marketing strategy for Thunderbolts* has taken an unusual turn, officially rebranding the film as New Avengers shortly after release. The studio even extended the on-screen rivalry between Sam Wilson’s Avengers and this new team into real-world promotion. Thunderbolts* serves as a pivotal lead-in to Phase 6, culminating with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July.
