Hot off strong reviews for her turn as WWE wrestlerPaigeinFighting With My Family,Florence Pughis in talks to joinScarlett Johanssonin Marvel’s standaloneBlack Widowmovie, according to bothVarietyandTHR.
Cate Shortlandis set to direct from a script byJac SchaefferandNed Benson, and as always,Kevin Feigewill produce the superhero movie for Marvel.
Pugh was one of a handful of actresses who were tipped for the role in recent weeks, and while character details are being kept under wraps, I’m told it will be physically demanding, indicating that there will be several fight scenes. Pugh should be handle those after learning a few moves fromDwayne JohnsoninFighting With My Family.
Feige has clarified in recent interviews thatBlack Widowwill not be rated-R, and it remains unclear whether the film will examine Natasha Romanoff’s origins (the character made her MCU debut in 2010’sIron Man 2), or whether it will take place afterAvengers: Endgame. Marvel, for its part, has yet to comment on the news.
Pugh has been on the rise ever since her breakout performance as the title character inLady Macbeth, which led to her booking a lead role inGreta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation ofLittle Women. She recently starred oppositeChris PineinDavid Mackenzie’s Netflix epicOutlaw Kingand alongsideAlexander SkarsgardandMichael Shannonin AMC’s limited seriesThe Little Drummer Girl, and she next stars oppositeJack ReynorinAri Aster’s horror movieMidsommar, which is the director’s creepy-looking follow-up toHereditary. She has earned this opportunity and I look forward to learning more about her mysterious new character and where she fits into the MCU as a whole. Pugh is represented by WME and Curtis Brown Group.
