Scarlett Johansson on Black Widow: She’s ‘kind of the mediator’ in Civil War

Yes, Captain America: Civil War is largely about the head-on ideological clash between Captain America and Iron Man, borne by the Sokovia Accords (read them here). But there are plenty of other characters at play, least of them Black Widow; Scarlett Johansson, who plays the character, revealed to Entertainment Weekly the Widow’s motivations in the film, and the crucial role she plays – and why, shockingly, she doesn’t side with Steve Roger’s Captain America:

‘I think she understands where everyone is coming from. And none of it really matters to her, you know? There’s a bigger problem at hand and she’s, I think, strangely, kind of the mediator. Which is not exactly how you would imagine her to be. But I think she really does see both sides of the coin and I think her strength is that she’s not personally involved… I don’t think she’s ever aspired to become an Avenger. That’s not really a choice that she made. It’s kind of like the events in her life led her to that point and when we see her [in Civil War], she’s finally capable of making a choice for herself.’

It’s interesting to note Johansson saying that Black Widow is ‘not personally involved.’ Surely the fact that her close friend, Steve Rogers, being on the opposing side of the conflict, carries some weight for her? Perhaps her role is more complex – and critical to the film – than previously imagined.

Captain America: Civil War is released April 29 in the UK, and May 6 in the USA.