Scarlett Johansson is opening up about the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the behind-the-scenes chaos during the making of 2012’s The Avengers. Despite the film’s eventual success, Johansson recalls the production as being anything but glamorous.
In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, the actress — who made her Marvel debut as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 — shared her perspective on how uncertain everything felt during the filming of The Avengers, the sixth film in the MCU and the first to unite Marvel’s major heroes on screen.
A Disjointed Beginning
“When we made the first Avengers, none of us really knew what the potential would be,” Johansson said. She described how Marvel had produced a string of hits — Iron Man was a box office phenomenon, Thor introduced a mystical new realm, and Captain America had its own distinctive identity.
But bringing these very different worlds together — along with new characters like Hulk and Hawkeye — felt overwhelming. “It honestly just felt like a big mess,” Johansson admitted. “Even on set, it was chaotic. We all looked insane.”
Faith in the Visionaries
Despite the confusion, Johansson praised Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and director Joss Whedon for keeping the project on course. “No one really knew if it would work, except for Kevin and Joss. We all just trusted their vision,” she said.
According to Johansson, one pivotal moment helped shift the cast’s mindset. While filming the now-iconic 360-degree camera shot of the Avengers assembling for battle, she finally saw the bigger picture. “That was the moment we all thought, ‘Maybe this could work.’ It felt powerful,” she shared.
A Superhero Success Story
Released in 2012, The Avengers became a critical and commercial triumph, earning over $1.5 billion worldwide and proving that Marvel’s ambitious plan for an interconnected cinematic universe could resonate with audiences.
The film marked a turning point for superhero cinema and solidified Johansson’s role as a core figure in the MCU for years to come.
