Scarlett Johansson will always be remembered for playing Black Widow in the MCU, but her best comic book movie actually came out years earlier, in 2001. One of the few actors to successfully graduate to more serious roles after being a child star, Johansson starred in a string of hit films throughout the 2000s that put her on the map.
However, she found true blockbuster success as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and she reprised the role numerous times for more than a decade. Since then, Johansson's best movies have been a mix of high-profile tentpole franchises, and award-winning dramas. No matter what role she's playing, Johansson brings a certain level of star-power wherever she goes.
Though the MCU is the undisputed king of comic book movies, Johansson's first time suiting up as Black Widow wasn't her first comic book film. In fact, one of her first mature roles came in an underrated comic adaptation, and it's still one of the defining cult classics of her extensive career.
Ghost World Is Scarlett Johansson’s Best Comic Book Film
The Indie Comic Book Movie Outshines Any MCU Film
Though comic book movies are generally associated with superheroes, there are actually a fair number of non-superhero comic films. One of the best is 2001's Ghost World, which adapts the indie comic of the same name by Daniel Clowes. Johansson co-stars alongside Thora Birch, and they're joined by Steve Buscemi as well.
Telling the story of two teens who are drifting apart as they begin their adult lives, Ghost World is totally unlike any other comic movie. It was a perfect platform for Johansson to show some mature acting, and it would set the tone for many of her starring roles throughout the 2000s.
Ghost World blows any of Johansson's MCU appearances away, largely because she is given more time to shine. Black Widow (except for her solo film) was always a supporting character, and she was overshadowed by the other superheroes in The Avengers. Technically speaking, it's also a much deeper film than any MCU offering
It may have come out in 2001, but Ghost World perfectly captured the spirit of 1990s Gen-X culture. It's funny and quirky, but it is also a complex examination of two friends who grow up and grow apart. Furthermore, it's quite faithful to Daniel Clowes' comics, which isn't always the case when adapting something so niche into a feature film.
Ghost World Isn’t Johansson’s Only Non-MCU Comic Book Movie
Not All Of Johansson's Comic Book Movies Have Been Stellar
Just a few years before she debuted as Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson appeared in the oft-forgotten comic book movie, The Spirit. With iconic comic artist and writer, Frank Miller, at the helm, the movie adapted the legendary '40s and '50s comic strip character onto the big screen. Unfortunately, it was largely a disastrous effort all around.
|
Scarlett Johansson's Comic Book Roles |
Movie(s) |
Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
|
Rebecca |
Ghost World |
2001 |
|
Silken Floss |
The Spirit |
2007 |
|
Black Widow |
The MCU |
2010-2021 |
Scarlett Johansson plays the role of Silken Floss, the secretary of the movie's villain, The Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson). While she gives the femme fatale part her all, The Spirit was trying too hard to be like Sin City, but had none of the gritty charm. The cheesy tone clashed with the visuals, and it failed to be entertaining.
