Scarlett Johansson Steps Back from Thunderbolts*: Why the Star Asked for Her Executive Producer Credit to Be Removed

In an engaging conversation for Interview magazine with co-star David Harbour, Johansson reiterated her non-involvement with the project. Known for her iconic role as Black Widow, first seen in 2010’s Iron Man 2, Johansson last adorned the MCU stage in 2021’s Black Widow, following her character’s poignant demise in Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Revealing the rationale behind her credit removal, Johansson, now 40, shared, “I asked to have my credit removed because I wasn’t involved.” David Harbour humorously inquired, “You hated the movie that much?” prompting Johansson to jest, “No, you’re just wanting that to be the case.” Despite the distance from the project, Harbour assured her, “I think you’d be proud of us,” to which Johansson graciously replied, “I am proud of you.”

The conversation, steeped in admiration and mutual respect, was a testament to Johansson’s enduring legacy within the MCU, even as she takes a step back. Readers eager to delve deeper into celebrity insights and engaging stories need look no further than PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter, offering a gateway to the best in entertainment.

In an evocative conversation about their illustrious careers Harbour with his Stranger Things triumphs and Johansson’s unforgettable MCU journey the actress reflected on her Marvel engagement. “Some of the films that I did for Marvel engaged my character more than others,” Johansson reminisced, underscoring the dynamic collaboration in Captain America: The Winter Soldier alongside Chris Evans. “In some of the other films, the cast was so enormous and there was so much plot to serve that you start to feel like you’re a device to move it along.”

Johansson candidly spoke of the marathon commitments demanded by such roles, adding a personal touch with humor, “If you’re committed to five and a half months of that, it’s like, ‘Okay. I can’t paint my nails, I can’t get a haircut.’” She acknowledged these as “silly problems,” yet highlighted the intrinsic tension between actor identity and their vocation.

For those who simply can’t get enough celeb content, the PEOPLE App is a must-download, ensuring you’re always looped into the most riveting celeb scoops, dazzling video clips, and more.

Shifting gears, Johansson has been exploring new territories with projects such as Jurassic World Rebirth and her directorial venture, Eleanor the Great, which recently debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. Expanding upon this narrative with Deadline, Johansson expressed openness towards directing an MCU film ideally one that marries thrilling action with essential “human connectivity.”

She elaborated, “I think the movies that I like that are big action movies also have the human connectivity piece,” alluding to the impactful human stories entwined with colossal cinematic universes. She proudly reflected on producing Black Widow and delving into the intricate familial dynamics with Yelena. Drawing parallels to themes in Eleanor the Great, Johansson mused on the potential of weaving epic narratives with deep emotional cores, concluding, “So, yeah, definitely, it could be, it would be fun.”