Scarlett Johansson might be one of the stars of the biggest film of all-time (“Avengers: Endgame”), but unlike many of the other A-listers in Hollywood, she’s not one to bite her tongue. This has proven to be an asset in many instances, as Johansson has used her star power to force change with her involvement in Time’s Up or her activism. But sometimes, she’s been able to stir up some controversy based on her honest answers to questions.
In a new interview with THR, that latter sentiment is explored even further as the Marvel actress opens up about one of the biggest collaborators in her career, Woody Allen. As you probably know, Allen has been the subject of intense sexual assault allegations for decades and with the rise of the #MeToo campaign, these claims have been brought back to the surface. But for Johansson, who has worked with Allen on films like “Match Point,” “Scoop,” and “ Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” she doesn’t believe the allegations against the director. She firmly stands with Woody Allen.
“I love Woody,” she said. “I believe him, and I would work with him anytime.”
Johansson added, “I see Woody whenever I can, and I have had a lot of conversations with him about it. I have been very direct with him, and he’s very direct with me. He maintains his innocence, and I believe him.”
This isn’t the first time that the ‘Avengers’ actress has said things that might upset folks. Earlier this year, she did an interview where she defended her choice to star as a trans person in the film “Rub & Tug,” which was eventually canceled when many people saw that Johansson’s casting was offensive. During the interview, she said that she should “be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job.”
When asked if she’d like to explain that statement further, the normally talkative Johansson was a bit more reserved and said, “There’s other voices that have more to say on this subject that probably need a microphone. Yeah. I think I’m done speaking on that subject.”
One subject that the actress is very keen on discussing is her upcoming turn as Natasha Romanoff in the upcoming “Black Widow” film for Marvel Studios. A prequel that takes place before “Captain America: Civil War,” “Black Widow” is the first solo adventure for the superhero in the MCU and, for Johansson, the first time she’s been a producer on one of these films.
“I feel like I’m in control of the destiny of this film, which gives me a lot more peace of mind,” she said. “I know her better than anybody. What was her childhood like? What is her relationship to figures of authority?”
She continued, “This character is gritty and multi-dimensional but has a lot of trauma and has led an unexamined life. In order to operate at this elite level, she has probably had to push away a lot of stuff.”
“Black Widow” is expected to kick off the summer film season next year on May 1, 2020.
