Scarlett Johansson Has Lost More Roles Than You'd Ever Guess — And Some Of Them Still Sting

Black Widow Almost Belonged To Emily Blunt Entirely

Marvel didn't even make Emily Blunt audition for Natasha Romanoff — the part was hers to lose, and she only lost it because of a scheduling conflict tied to her Devil Wears Prada contract that forced her into Gulliver's Travels instead. Johansson had already screen-tested for the role once and been passed over, but when Blunt dropped out, Jon Favreau called her back. She's said the whole ordeal taught her a lesson she's carried ever since.

Woody Allen Cast Kate Winslet First — Then His Own Rules Got In The Way

Kate Winslet was actually cast as Nola Rice in Match Point before Johansson ever entered the picture. Woody Allen has said he originally hired a British actress because he mistakenly believed the whole cast needed to be British to secure funding — and by his own account, once he realized that wasn't true, an American became an option. Winslet ultimately stepped back to focus on her newborn son, telling Variety it would've been "too much of a compromise" to her life at the time, clearing the way for Johansson.

She Screen-Tested In A Full Space Suit — And Still Didn't Get Gravity

Johansson auditioned for Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity in an actual space suit, but the role ultimately went to Sandra Bullock, who scored an Oscar nomination for it. Johansson later called the loss "the straw that broke the camel's back," admitting she felt so "really frustrated and hopeless" that she questioned whether acting was even the right path for her anymore. It took roles in Under the Skin and Her to pull her back in.

David Fincher Called Her Audition Great — Then Explained Why He Still Said No

Johansson read for Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and the role went to Rooney Mara, who scored a Best Actress Oscar nomination for it. Fincher later gave a blunt explanation for passing on Johansson, saying flatly that "you can't wait for her to take her clothes off" — a comment about audience perception that's followed the casting story ever since.

She Turned Down Playing Marilyn Monroe — And Michelle Williams Got An Oscar Nomination For It

Before Michelle Williams ever put on Marilyn Monroe's shoes, the role was actually offered to Johansson first, and she said no. She told USA Today there was "a lot there to explore" about Monroe, but she simply had no interest in playing her. Williams took the part instead and picked up a Best Actress Oscar nomination for it.

She Auditioned For Fantine With Laryngitis — And Still Lost The Role

Johansson tried out for the role of Fantine in Les Misérables while fighting a full-blown case of laryngitis, and lost the part to Anne Hathaway. Hathaway went on to sweep nearly every awards show that season for her performance, including the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, cementing the role as one Johansson never really had a shot at reclaiming.