Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Scarlett Johansson embodies the iconic Black Widow, captivating audiences as the enigmatic spy turned Avenger. Yet, the tale could have been different. Emily Blunt, a near contender for the role, had kept her reasons under wraps until a recent conversation with Howard Stern.
Stern’s revelation of the offered part prompted a subtle confirmation from Blunt, decoding the might-have-been scenario. As Stern lauded Johansson’s portrayal, the lingering query emerged: why did Emily Blunt step away from the opportunity?
The story behind this near-casting reveals a fascinating ‘what if’ moment, offering a glimpse into the intricate choices that shape Hollywood narratives and the alternate paths that could have unfolded in the superhero saga.
Emily Blunt’s Missed Marvel Opportunity Due to ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ Commitment
The looming prospect of Black Widow indeed intrigued Blunt, acknowledged by Stern as a ‘slam-dunk big role.’ But when Stern attributed her turning it down to a bustling schedule tied to ‘Gulliver’s Travels,’ Blunt paused, correcting the narrative. “No, no, no,” she interjected. An opportunity to clarify emerged as she aimed to “clean up the story of Gulliver’s Travels.” Finally, the truth gets out, Blunt explained, “I was contracted to do Gulliver’s Travels. I didn’t want to do Gulliver’s Travels.” This revelation dispels the veils of speculation that linked her refusal solely to the comic book genre.
Unraveling Emily Blunt’s Black Widow Decline
In her chat with Howard Stern, Emily Blunt mentioned an ‘optional picture deal’ as the reason behind her decision. These agreements, often called option agreements, involve studios securing the rights to intellectual property without an outright purchase. It’s like dibs on a property, paying a fee for the first shot at buying the rights within a set timeframe, or they’re up for grabs. For directors, it’s akin to first-look deals after a successful film, allowing studios priority access to upcoming projects over a multi-year period.
Emily Blunt’s Post-‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Journey Was a Versatile Career Snapshot
Emily Blunt’s chat with Stern showed that her optional picture deal with 20th Century Fox originated from her role in The Devil Wears Prada. Her aversion to its restrictions echoes in her career choices beyond Gulliver’s Travels, stemming from declining the Black Widow role.