Scarlett Johansson’s role as an executive producer for Thunderbolts* has drawn attention as the actress continues her involvement with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Johansson, best known for portraying Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, steps behind the scenes for this project. Thunderbolts* brings together a team of antiheroes, many of whom have ties to her character’s storyline in Black Widow. Johansson’s role as executive producer builds on her previous work with Marvel, following her similar involvement in the Black Widow film.
Black Widow’s Scarlett Johansson attached to Thunderbolts* as executive producer
Scarlett Johansson, widely known for her role as Black Widow in the MCU, is serving as an executive producer for the upcoming film Thunderbolts*.
This role reinforces Johansson’s involvement with Marvel Studios, where she previously served as an executive producer for the 2021 film Black Widow. Thunderbolts* will conclude Phase Five of the MCU and is set to be released in 2025.
The plot of Thunderbolts* centers on a group of antiheroes recruited by the U.S. government for covert operations. The cast includes actors from previous MCU films — Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. These characters have appeared in prior MCU installments like Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Johansson’s role as executive producer was first mentioned in 2021. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed she would work on a Marvel project unrelated to her character, Natasha Romanoff. In September 2024, the announcement confirmed that Johansson’s involvement in Thunderbolts* continues her collaboration with Marvel. This film also connects to the storyline of Black Widow.
Thunderbolts* is helmed by Jake Schreier, while Eric Pearson, Lee Sung-jin, and Joanna Calo wrote the screenplay. The production encountered delays due to the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes but resumed in early 2024. Principal photography took place at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin Feige produces the film, with Louis D’Esposito, Brian Chapek, Jason Tamez, and Johansson serving as executive producers.
Thunderbolts* is set to release in theaters in May 2025.
