Black Widow actress Scarlett Johansson has opened up about the sexualisation of her character in the 2010 sequel Iron Man 2.
During a set visit back in 2019, Johansson found time to reflect on how gender dynamics have progressed within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (via Collider).
"10 years have passed and things have happened and I have a much different, more evolved understanding of myself. As a woman, I'm in a different place in my life, you know? And I felt more forgiving of myself, as a woman, and not — sometimes probably not enough," she began.
Related: Black Widow's Scarlett Johansson confirms worrying Infinity War connection
"I'm more accepting of myself, I think. All of that is related to that move away from the kind of hyper-sexualisation of this character and, I mean, you look back at Iron Man 2 and while it was really fun and had a lot of great moments in it, the character is so sexualised, you know?
"Really talked about like she's a piece of something, like a possession or a thing or whatever — like a piece of ass, really. And Tony even refers to her as something like that at one point."
What to Read Next
Dissecting Iron Man's "I want some" remark, Johansson went on: "At one point [he] calls her a piece of meat and maybe at that time that actually felt like a compliment. You know what I mean? Because my thinking was different.
Related: Black Widow's Scarlett Johansson reveals how she knew The Avengers would work
"Maybe I even would have, you know, my own self-worth was probably measured against that type of comment or, like a lot of young women, you come into your own and you understand your own self-worth. It's changing now.
"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."
Black Widow is out in cinemas on July 7 in the UK and on Disney+ with Premier Access on July 9. In the US it will be released on July 9 both in cinemas and on Disney+ with Premier Access.
![Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga - Collector's Edition [Blu-ray, region-free]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1592931096-51rTY4QSSxL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga - Collector's Edition [Blu-ray, region-free]")
![Black Widow [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1631535362-51oH3ZqYfQL._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Black Widow [DVD]")
Funko Pop! Marvel Avengers: Endgame Black Widow Pop! Vinyl Figure
Funko Pop! Marvel Black Widow Taskmaster with Shield Pop! Vinyl Figure
![Marvel Studios Avengers 1-4 Complete Boxset [DVD] [2019]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568976186-51I0P7xeMNL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Marvel Studios Avengers 1-4 Complete Boxset [DVD] [2019]")
Funko Pop! Marvel Avengers Infinity War Black Widow Pop! Vinyl Figure
This month, Digital Spy Magazine counts down the 50 greatest LGBTQ+ TV characters since the Stonewall riots. Read every issue now with a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+.
Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? Sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox – and don't forget to join our Watch This Facebook Group for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
