Scarlett Johansson Asked Marvel to Remove Her Thunderbolts Producer Credit — Says Ensemble Films Can Make Actors “Feel Like a Device

Scarlett Johansson Removes Her Name from Thunderbolts Producer Credit

Scarlett Johansson may have played a defining role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade, but her latest involvement behind the scenes with Thunderbolts came with a surprising twist. The Oscar-nominated actress recently revealed she asked Marvel Studios to remove her executive producer credit from the Thunderbolts film, which was released in May 2025 as the concluding chapter of Phase Five.

During an interview with co-star David Harbour for Interview magazine, Johansson explained that she had no real creative role in the production of the ensemble film, and felt uncomfortable taking credit where it wasn’t due.

“You Sometimes Feel Like a Device”: Johansson on Oversized Marvel Casts

The candid conversation with Harbour revealed Johansson’s growing concerns about the nature of large-scale franchise filmmaking.

“You sometimes feel like a device. The casts get so enormous that your role is just to move the plot along — you’re not necessarily contributing to a bigger vision,” Johansson explained.

Her remarks reflect a broader trend in today’s cinematic landscape, especially in shared universes like the MCU, where narrative complexity often sidelines individual character arcs in favor of advancing the franchise machine.

The EP Credit: A Symbol, Not a Role?

Scarlett Johansson was originally announced as an executive producer on Thunderbolts, alongside familiar Marvel names like Kevin Feige, Brian Chapek, and Louis D’Esposito. However, unlike her involvement in 2021’s Black Widow — where she had active input on the script and casting — her presence in Thunderbolts was limited to on-screen appearances, with no real say in production or direction.

“I just didn’t feel like I earned that title on this one,” she admitted during the interview. “It felt more like a gesture than a reflection of my involvement.”

This move surprised fans and insiders alike, especially since EP credits are often seen as a status symbol in Hollywood, used to reflect legacy, contractual perks, or influence.

A Shift From Black Widow to Thunderbolts

Johansson’s producer credit on Black Widow was widely understood to be meaningful. She was intimately involved in bringing that project to life — especially after years of fan demands for a solo film focused on Natasha Romanoff. When Black Widow was released in 2021, Johansson also made headlines for her legal battle with Disney over its hybrid streaming release, which she argued breached her box office bonus-based contract.

That lawsuit reportedly resulted in a settlement rumored to be around $40 million, and many believed it paved the way for a deeper, more collaborative role between Johansson and Marvel Studios moving forward.

But Thunderbolts was a different story.

The Nature of Ensemble Films and Credit Fatigue

Thunderbolts is a dense film, even by Marvel standards. With a cast featuring Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, and Olga Kurylenko, the film has upwards of ten major characters fighting for narrative real estate.

For Johansson, the sheer scale of the project diluted her ability to contribute meaningfully. The actress only appears briefly in the film, mostly in flashbacks and a single sequence connecting the Thunderbolts to their late leader, Black Widow.

David Harbour, who reprised his role as Red Guardian, teased her about the credit during their interview:

“It’s opening weekend. You’re the seventh Thunderbolt. You’re all over this movie. And you’re also an executive producer. Congratulations.”

Johansson laughed it off but clarified quickly: “Nope — I had that credit removed.”

Marvel’s Credit Politics: Prestige or Participation?

In today’s Hollywood, it’s not uncommon for actors, particularly A-listers, to receive honorary producer credits. These titles often reflect a legacy of trust or financial investment rather than hands-on production work. In many ways, Johansson’s EP title on Thunderbolts was a continuation of goodwill from Black Widow, not a sign of real collaboration.

But her decision to reject that credit sets a unique precedent. It speaks to a desire for authenticity over status — a move that could inspire others to reevaluate how credits are assigned in blockbuster franchises.

A Broader Industry Problem

Johansson’s experience also speaks to an uncomfortable truth about the Marvel formula: ensemble casts, packed timelines, and interconnected narratives often marginalize creative expression. Even for someone as entrenched in the MCU as Johansson, the current model doesn’t always leave room for personal or creative satisfaction.

Her decision echoes recent complaints from other Marvel veterans, including directors and writers, who feel that the sprawling nature of the MCU limits individual artistry in favor of franchise consistency.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Decision for an MCU Icon

Scarlett Johansson’s request to have her name removed from Thunderbolts’ EP credits is more than just a behind-the-scenes footnote. It marks a turning point in how prestige, participation, and creative agency intersect in today’s franchise filmmaking.

As Marvel and other studios continue to build bigger, more interconnected cinematic universes, Johansson’s stance may ignite broader conversations about the meaning behind titles and the importance of credit transparency.

For an actress who helped shape the MCU from its early phases and carried one of its most emotionally resonant characters, it’s a reminder that even the most iconic figures are still seeking meaningful, authentic participation in the stories they tell.

The Tipsy Critic covers industry stories, film news, and behind-the-scenes insights with honest analysis.
➡️ For more deep dives and actor spotlights, visit thetipsycritic.com.
📲 Follow @thetipsycriticreview for weekly updates on Hollywood’s evolving landscape.