20 Actors Who Turned Down Major Movie Roles
2. Emily Blunt - Black Widow (Iron Man 2)
This is one of Marvel's biggest "What could have been?" moments. Back in 2010, Emily Blunt was in talks to play Natasha Romanov/Black Widow in the upcoming Iron Man sequel. It was a big opportunity; a chance to join a franchise which was, at the time, in its early days, but ready to hit the big leagues.
But there was a problem. Offered the role, Blunt was informed she had a contractual agreement in place with Fox, an agreement which stated she had to make one last film with them following her stint in The Devil Wears Prada.
Despite being director Jon Favreau's first choice - and despite wanting the role - Blunt had to turn it down and starred in Gulliver's Travels opposite Jack Black. Scarlett Johansson took the role of Black Widow - Emily Blunt starred in a film which bombed in every area possible.
Since then, Blunt has been fan-cast in a number of MCU roles, with none (yet) coming true. Hopefully, we'll get to see her as a superhero soon.