20 Things You Didn’t Know About Iron Man 2
18. Emily Blunt Was Originally Set To Play Black Widow
Though it's difficult to imagine anyone but Scarlett Johansson playing Black Widow, the part was very nearly played by none other than the fantastic Emily Blunt, who was Jon Favreau's first choice for the role.
But sadly Blunt's contractual obligations with Fox prevented her from accepting, with the studio instead forcing her to play the female lead in the terrible Jack Black-starring Gulliver's Travels - where, in true Black Widow style, she even sported a gorgeous red head of hair.
After Blunt was denied the role, a glut of famous Hollywood actresses were considered, including Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Arterton, and even the MCU's own Natalie Portman, before Favreau finally settled quite rightly on Johansson.
Even so, Blunt surely would've nailed the role, so it's tough not to consider what might've been if Fox hadn't interfered.