Florence Pugh and Scarlett Johansson discuss the future of Black Widow

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Exclusive: Florence Pugh plays coy about returning for Black Widow 2: "We’ll just see if people like Yelena first"

(Image credit: Disney/Marvel)

Black Widow brings back Scarlett Johansson for one more outing as Natasha. Yet, she won't be the only Black Widow in the movie – Florence Pugh will be playing Yelena, Natasha's sister and equal. Many fans expect Pugh (who made waves in Midsommar and Fighting With My Family) to take over the Black Widow mantel. 

Speaking with Total Film for the new issue, Scarlett Johansson spoke candidly about her hopes for Pugh's character taking over the franchise. “I definitely felt that way from the very beginning,” Johansson says when asked about giving the Black Widow name over to new blood. “She stands completely on her own. She’s strong and different. She’s so different to Natasha.”

“You also see the generational difference, too, in how they react to things, and what they’re careful about, or what they’re careless about,” she continues. “It’s so fresh, what she does. It’s very representative, also, of who she is as a person. She’s unapologetic, and confident in herself, and curious, and brave, and emotionally brave – far more than I ever was. And that stuff all comes through. It’s wonderful to feel like you’re witnessing something great happening.”

Pugh herself is a little less forthcoming about her future as Black Widow. “If you get asked to be in a Marvel film, and it was so thrilling and fun and exciting to be in, then of course, your head goes: ‘Oh my God. If this is what it’s like, then what else is next?” she says. “If that happens and I am lucky enough that people appreciate my character, that’s an exciting road to go on. I would be silly to not be excited by it. I think that being part of the Marvel club is a great honour. But we’ll just see if people like Yelena first.”

Marvel's Black Widow movie.

(Image credit: Disney/Marvel Studios)

Pugh and Johansson – as well as director Cate Shortland, Rachel Weisz, David Harbour, and O-T Fagbenle – discuss Black Widow at length in the new issue of Total Film magazine, when it hits shelves on this Friday, September 18. You can also see exclusive images from the Marvel Phase 4 movie here. Black Widow is currently scheduled to open in the UK on October 28, and in the US on November 6.

Check out the new covers of Total Film below; the one on the right is on its way to subscribers right now.

If you’re a fan of Total Film magazine, why not subscribe so that you never miss an issue? Sign up via MagazinesDirect, and with our latest offer you’ll get a year's subscription for half price! Plus you'll also get exclusive subscriber-only covers like the Black Widow one that's currently on its way to subscribers right now. (Ts & Cs apply, follow link for full details.)

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(Image credit: Total Film)
Jack Shepherd
Jack Shepherd
Freelance Journalist

Jack Shepherd is the former Senior Entertainment Editor of GamesRadar. Jack used to work at The Independent as a general culture writer before specializing in TV and film for the likes of GR+, Total Film, SFX, and others. You can now find Jack working as a freelance journalist and editor.