Scarlett Johansson refuses Thunderbolts executive producer credit, firmly distancing herself from any connection to Marvel Studios’ upcoming film and requesting that her name be removed from the project. The acclaimed actress took this public stand amid ongoing conversations about her ties to Marvel, following a well-documented legal dispute with Disney in 2021.
Johansson States She Played No Part in Thunderbolts
Since debuting as Black Widow in 2010’s Iron Man 2 and later becoming central to The Avengers franchise, Scarlett Johansson has been synonymous with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, with Thunderbolts approaching release, Johansson has made it clear through a recent interview that she was not involved in any creative or production capacity.
In a conversation with fellow actor David Harbour, who referenced the presence of Black Widow’s legacy in Thunderbolts, Johansson underscored her distance from the film by not only revealing she had not seen it, but also that she refused to be given any producer credit. Harbour commented,
“It’s the opening day of a movie that basically you are the seventh Thunderbolt in,”
directly acknowledging her character’s perceived relevance. Johansson was explicitly clear in her response, stating,
“I asked to have my credit removed because I wasn’t involved.”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actor
While Harbour joked about possible negative feelings toward the movie, Johansson clarified,
“No, you’re just wanting that to be the case.”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actor. Despite not participating in the production, she expressed pride in the cast and the film’s efforts, highlighting her support of those who created the new installment.
Background: The Legal Rift With Disney and Marvel
Johansson’s insistence on detaching from Thunderbolts follows her public legal battle with Disney regarding the release strategy for Black Widow. In July 2021, Johansson filed a lawsuit alleging that Disney breached her contract by simultaneously releasing Black Widow in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access, contrary to the agreed-upon exclusive theatrical window. This dual rollout, she argued, compromised her earnings and the film‘s traditional box office performance.
After two months of negotiation, Johansson and Disney reached a confidential settlement. Following the resolution, Johansson commented,
“I am happy to have resolved our differences with Disney. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together over the years and have greatly enjoyed my creative relationship with the team,”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actor. Disney Studios Content Chairman Alan Bergman publicly acknowledged the outcome, noting the company’s appreciation for Johansson’s contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and expressing optimism about future collaborations.
Support From Fellow Actors and Industry Backlash
The dispute brought forth significant discussion in Hollywood on contract fairness and streaming strategies during the pandemic. Court documents confirmed Johansson’s claim that Disney prioritized streaming figures and stock price, using the pandemic environment as justification for its unconventional release structure. Her stance drew widespread support, including from Avengers co-star Elizabeth Olsen, who publicly called her “brave” for standing up for contractual rights. Actress Gabrielle Union also criticized Disney’s approach, describing it as “gender-shaming and bullying” within the industry.
Reflecting on Early Career and Industry Pressures
Reflecting a year after her Disney settlement, Johansson discussed how her early years in Hollywood shaped her image, bringing attention to systemic issues of typecasting and objectification. She revealed,
“I was kind of being groomed in a way to be this what you call this bombshell type of actor. I was playing the other woman and this object of desire and, you know, I suddenly found myself cornered in this place, like, I couldn’t get out of it.”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actor.
Johansson went on to describe how this dynamic escalated as she began discovering her own femininity.
“I think because of that trajectory that I had been sort of launched towards, I really got stuck in this,”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actor. These experiences illustrate the ongoing challenges faced by young actors subjected to image-driven and gendered expectations in the film industry.
Johansson Calls for Urgent AI Regulation in The United States
Scarlett Johansson has not remained silent about broader societal threats, turning attention to the dangers of unregulated artificial intelligence. Recently, Johansson became aware of an AI-generated deepfake video depicting her and other actors criticizing Kanye ‘Ye’ West—a clip that family and friends brought to her attention.
This incident prompted Johansson to publicly criticize lawmakers for failing to enact stringent AI oversight. She asserted,
“The potential for hate speech multiplied by A.I. is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it,”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actor. In a dire warning, she stated,
“There is a 1000-foot wave coming,”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actor, condemning Congress for lagging behind other nations in regulating advanced technology. She urged elected officials to prioritize AI as a
“bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actor.
What Johansson’s Stand Means for Marvel and The Film Industry
While Scarlett Johansson may be stepping away from any formal credit related to Thunderbolts, her outspoken positions on industry issues and creative ownership underscore her influence in Hollywood. Her request to strike her name from the film’s credits is emblematic of an artist seeking agency over her professional legacy and personal boundaries within a vast cinematic franchise.
Her ongoing advocacy on subjects ranging from contract equity to the ethical use of AI is resonating with peers like Elizabeth Olsen and Gabrielle Union, reflecting wider debates on transparency and accountability both in entertainment and in technology. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, Johansson’s principled stand and willingness to challenge industry norms remain influential, prompting studios, stars, and lawmakers alike to re-assess responsibility, recognition, and the future of creative contributions.
