'Avengers 2: Age of Ultron' Cast: Scarlett Johansson Talks Black Widow's 'Dark, Sad Past'

With Marvel Studios movies piling up to be released in the next few years, Scarlett Johansson feels that it may be the right time for fans to get to know more of her character Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow.

Films such as ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ highlighted the important part that Black Widow plays in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Similarly, the TV industry has caught up, putting forward the mini-series ‘Agent Carter’ in making Black Widow’s past experiences known, particularly their impact on her present and future state.

However, fans who are seeking for a deeper exploration of the female character’s history can look forward to the release of the 'Avengers: Age of Ultron’ this year. The film is expected to feature a backstory on Black Widow as writer/director Joss Whedon previously referred to her as a “key player in the film’s narrative.”

Interestingly, several previews showed that the upcoming ‘Avengers’ sequel is likely to highlight Black Widow’s relationship with Bruce Banner, more popularly known as The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). With such major subplot being made known, this can aid fans in delving into more explanations regarding Black Widow’s background.

Johansson opened up to W Magazine and confirmed that ‘Age of Ultron’ will provide a better understanding to her character’s past, which the actress already knows after reading all about Black Widow’s history from the Marvel comic books.

“I had done my research, and the Black Widow character resonated with me,” Johansson said. “She is dark and has faced death so many times that she has a deep perspective on the value of life. In the sequel, you learn more about the sadness in her past.”

Black Widow and Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) had been the only members of the Avengers team from the first film to not have their own solo feature films. Looking closely into their roles in the comic books, both their characters can provide ample backstory content which can be used in future adaptations.

While fans can be pleased about having Black Widow's story highlighted in the new ‘Avengers’ movie, they can also look forward to a highly anticipated conflict apparently caused by Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Iron Man takes part in developing the A.I. robot Ultron (James Spader), who seeks to wreak havoc and cause devastation to humanity.

‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ will hit cinemas on May 1, 2015 while ‘Captain America: Civil War’ gets a release on May 6, 2016; both will be featuring Black Widow’s story.