Introduction to Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, has been a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since her captivating debut in Iron Man 2. Her journey from a supporting character to the lead in her own film has been as thrilling as it has been financially rewarding. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how Scarlett Johansson’s earnings have evolved across her MCU tenure, from her first appearance to her solo venture in Black Widow.
Breaking Into the MCU with Iron Man 2
When Scarlett Johansson first graced the screen as Black Widow in Iron Man 2, she earned a compensation of nearly $400,000. This figure, while modest compared to her co-stars’ later earnings, marked the start of a lucrative and iconic role. Johansson pulled down about a low-seven-figure salary for the first Avengers movie in 2012 after making her debut in 2010’s Iron Man 2,
highlighting the rapid scale of her financial ascent.
Joining The Avengers Ensemble
The success of The Avengers was a game-changer for all involved, including Johansson. While Marvel is known for keeping its purse strings tight for first outings—as Robert Downey Jr.’s $500,000 paycheck for Iron Man suggests—Johansson’s salary saw an uptick with her participation in this ensemble blockbuster. She easily makes $10 – $20 million per film and routinely makes $10 – $20 million per year from endorsements,
suggesting that her compensation for The Avengers aligned with this range.
Earnings Leap in Captain America The Winter Soldier
Johansson continued to reprise her role as the formidable spy in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. While exact figures for this film are not publicized, it’s clear that her star power—and thus, her salary—was on the rise. The film not only deepened Black Widow’s backstory but also solidified Johansson’s financial gains within the MCU.
A Significant Raise for Avengers Age of Ultron
In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Johansson’s compensation increased notably. While Downey took a pay cut to $40 million, Johansson was able to negotiate a hefty increase. This bump reflected not only the success of the franchise but also Johansson’s growing prominence within it. As one of the key members of the Avengers team, she had become indispensable.
Paving Parity with Captain America Civil War
In a significant move towards parity, Scarlett Johansson earned the same $15 million for Captain America: Civil War as Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth did for their standalone films. This equal pay was a testament to her value within the MCU and a nod to gender equality in Hollywood’s often imbalanced pay scales.
Earnings Alignment in Avengers Infinity War
The star-studded cast of Avengers: Infinity War included Johansson reprising her role once again. She earned $15 million for this film, an amount that aligned with what industry heavyweights Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth received. This parity underscored Johansson’s entrenched status within the franchise.
A Pivotal Role and Earnings in Avengers Endgame
Avengers: Endgame, being the highest-grossing film of all time at its release, likely bolstered Johansson’s earnings significantly. Though her exact salary for Endgame remains undisclosed, it is reasonable to speculate that it fell within the high range of $10 – $20 million per film that she typically commands.
Culminating Triumph with Black Widow
The standalone film Black Widow marked a pinnacle in Johansson’s MCU journey. For both starring and producing, she is set to earn an impressive $20 million. This payday reflects not only on her star power but also on Marvel’s evolving standards when it comes to compensating their leading heroes.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
In conclusion, Scarlett Johansson’s financial trajectory through the MCU mirrors her character’s growth from a mysterious operative to a leading Avenger with a narrative arc deserving its own spotlight. The factors influencing her rising salaries include box office success, critical acclaim, and an industry-wide push towards equitable pay. As we reflect on these numbers and what they represent, it becomes clear that Johansson has not only left an indelible mark on the superhero genre but also paved the way for future negotiations in Hollywood.