Key Takeaways:
-Had Scarlett Johansson been unavailable, Zooey Deschanel may have played the Wasp in the 2012 blockbuster “The Avengers”.
-Joss Whedon, the director of the film, had considered Deschanel for a significant presence in the film, according to an excerpt from “The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe”.
-The MCU plans to expand the franchise further, with Marvel Studios anticipating further successes like Deadpool & Wolverine.
Almost an Avenger: Zooey Deschanel as The Wasp
Starting the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2008 was a risk, a notable one taken on by Kevin Feige and his team. The grand plan implied a build-up of iconic Avengers characters, such as Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, through individual narratives culminating in a triumphant crossover film. The gamble paid off immensely with the stunning success of “The Avengers” in 2012. Unexpectedly, Joss Whedon, the film’s director, had slated the Wasp to make an appearance, a role almost helmed by prominent “500 Days of Summer” actress Zooey Deschanel.
An Unseen Alternative Plot
Phase 1 of the MCU was designed with meticulous attention to detail, paving the path for its promising future. The Avengers assembled to protect the Earth from Loki and the Chitauri army, forming an impressive line-up of the original six: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, The Hulk, and Hawkeye. Intriguingly, Scarlett Johannsson’s Black Widow was the only female Avenger in the team, with a significant role in the film.
However, an alternate narrative almost surfaced concerning the potential unavailability of Johansson. The protective net was prepared, featuring another feminine superhero, as per an insider scoop from the book, The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whedon had nearly introduced the Wasp in “The Avengers”, placing the quirky and charming Zooey Deschanel as her cinematic alter-ego.
The Future of the MCU and Kevin Feige’s Insight
Despite a sequel repertoire of over 30 films and various TV series, Kevin Feige believes there’s more to delve into the Marvel universe. It has a rich, 85-year long comic book history full of diverse, multi-faceted characters. In Feige’s words, after directing 32 movies, it feels like the surface has only been scratched.
Although “The Avengers” ended up featuring Scarlett Johannsson’s Black Widow, fans can only wonder how Deschanel would have fit into the Marvel universe. The role of the Wasp was eventually given to Evangeline Lilly in 2015’s “Ant-Man.” It’s thrilling to ponder the different direction the MCU could have taken had Deschanel been a part of the Avengers.
Eyes set on the future, the MCU is bracing for an exciting 2024. With Deadpool & Wolverine being the lone theatrical release, its anticipation is palpable. Other exciting projects like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, and Blade are also lined up for next year, ensuring that the Marvel universe will continue to expand, surprising and intriguing fans around the globe.
In conclusion, while it’s fascinating to think about what could have been, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Nevertheless, we can’t help but be excited about what the future holds for the MCU and its potential new additions. We keep our fingers crossed for these forthcoming releases, ready to see what Feige and his team have up their sleeves.
