The much awaited addition to the Marvel cinematic universe, Black Widow, is set to release on July 7 in UK and Ireland and on July 9 in the US.

Initially due to be released on May of 2020, but pushed back due to Covid, the film is not an origin story, but aids in tying up the events leading up to Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Following its wake, lead actress, Scarlett Johansson, who plays the role of Black Widow, shared her disdain the “hyper-sexualization” of her character in Iron-Man 2.

Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, made her first appearance in the 2010 Marvel film, Iron Man 2. Since then she has been an essential part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in 7 more films since then.

Reflecting back to where it all started a decade ago, Scarlet stated that despite the film being “really fun”, and having an abundance of “great moments”, she lamented saying, “the character [Black Widow] is so sexualized, you know?”

She further states that prior to the evolution of her character, she felt like her character was talked about like a “possession” or a “thing”.

Moreover, Robert Downey Jr’s, leading character, Tony Stark, objectifying her by calling her a “piece of meat”, does no better, instead serving an insult to injury.

Scarlet mentioned prior to her journey of self-discovery in motherhood, she may have weighed in her self-worth to be more accepting and expecting of comments like those. However, now, the mother of one has made the decision to shift away from those ideas and the hyper sexualization of her character.

In her interview with Collider, she further stated the impact of the #MeToo movement bringing in a paradigm shift in young female actors today. Additionally, she said, "Now people, young girls, are getting a much more positive message, but it's been incredible to be a part of that shift and be able to come out the other side and be a part of that old story, but also progress,"

"Evolve. I think it's pretty cool." the actress added.

Sunnews/NT