Despite Black Widow starring a character who’s been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for a decade, the film’s cast is largely filled with newcomers to this series. Set before Avengers: Infinity War, the movie brings in these new faces to provide the backstory for Natasha Romanoff.
However, the actors themselves are far from novices in the industry, as they’ve been seen in forms and media that deserve attention. Since fans are always interested to know about films and shows starring The Avengers cast, here’s a similar feature that dives into the filmography of the Black Widow cast members instead. These are worth checking out on their own, as they provide further material to appreciate the actors’ talents.
Scarlett Johansson: Lucy (2014)
A woman gains access to the full potential of her mind when a drug is injected into her. Now out to get the people who forced her against her will, Lucy slowly becomes one with the universe as her mental abilities break the boundaries of time and space.
In one of Scarlett Johansson’s best performances, Lucy is an exciting romp that features fast-paced action and a surprising theme of the meaning behind the universe. The film also showcases the actress’s talents in this genre, playing an initially helpless woman empowered to take on the world.
Rachel Weisz: About A Boy (2002)
A man in his thirties loves his life as a slacker when he meets and befriends a preteen boy. The odd friendships leads to both of them reevaluating their lives, enabling them to do better and become more than what they think they are.
This film remains one of Rachel Weisz’s best-reviewed films, and for good reason. While she’s in a supporting role, it’s when her character arrives that the protagonists begin to change their ways. Appearing as the level-headed love interest, her character forms part of the surrogate family that the film details.
Robert Downey Jr: Chef (2014)
After a public meltdown, a chef looks to reinvent his image by opening a mobile restaurant in his van along with his son. As they dive into this sumptuous new turn in their lives, father and son also bring their family closer.
While Chef is one of Robert Downey Jr’s best films of the 2010s, he’s in the film in a cameo capacity. That’s the same role he plays in Black Widow, so it’s worth checking this one out. His role is that of the obnoxious ex-husband of the main character’s own ex-wife, but there’s no denying he steals the scene with several hilarious one-liners.
David Harbour: Stranger Things (2016-Present)
Set in the 1980s, strange happenings in a town result in a number of its residents uncovering mysteries that lead them toward a mysterious parallel universe. As more dangerous creatures escape this realm, the characters work together to avoid any major catastrophes.
In his breakout role, David Harbour excels as the cynical cop that is Jim Hopper. Being both strong and hilarious, he forms part of a solid cast involved in a number of mysteries that make each season extremely worth of a binge-watch.
Ray Winstone: Sexy Beast (2000)
A retired gangster’s peaceful retirement is interrupted when a former associate returns to his life and demands to be aided in a new crime. After his attempts to decline this invitation fails, the man falls into a new trap of death and deceit.
Although the premise might seem quite dark, Sexy Beast is actually a pretty humorous black comedy film. Ray Winstone appears as the sardonic and reluctant protagonist, and his interactions with Ben Kingsley’s Don Logan help in allowing this film to be an entertaining ride into criminal exploits.
O. T. Fagbenle: The Handmaid's Tale (2017-Present)
A totalitarian government forces women fit for labor to carry children as a form of slavery. One woman is subjected to this despite already being married, as the series details her struggles to overcome her capture.
It’s a very heavy subject matter, but The Handmaid Tale has run away with several awards due to its deep story material. Here, O. T. Fagbenle portrays the protagonist’s husband, a well meaning but ultimately powerless man who tries desperately to keep his son safe. Those unaware of the actor’s talents need to check this show out before he appears in Black Widow.
Florence Pugh: Fighting With My Family (2019)
The woman who would later become known as WWE Superstar Paige begins her time as a recruit for the biggest wrestling company in the world. Unfortunately, her path is riddled with problems as Paige has to reconcile with her family while facing stiff competition among her peers.
It’s easily one of Florence Pugh’s top-rated movies, as Fighting with My Family brings in the funny aspect along with a heartwarming theme of family. The actress is in top form, with her wrestling-based scenes coming across as legit. Mainly, though, viewers will be most impressed by how her character comes out stronger through her struggles.
William Hurt: Mr. Brooks (2007)
Earl Brooks is a respectable man with a thriving business. He is also a serial killer who’s been active for decades, fueled in this desire by his dark passenger who takes the form of a man known as Marshall. When Brooks is blackmailed to “train” a prospective killer, he tries to find ways to dispose of this nuisance.
Those who find Thunderbolt Ross a piece of work will no doubt feel even greater about Hurt’s role as Brooks, a malevolent alter ego with only murder in mind. And yet, the film is a superb thriller that is bolstered by the performances of the cast.
Rachel Weisz: The Mummy Returns (2001)
Years after their original adventure, Rick and Evie O’Connell once again encounter Imhotep the Mummy when he kidnaps their son in hopes of using him to release the Scorpion King. In a race against time, the couple enlist the help of friends to rescue their son.
The Mummy influenced similar movies to use its template for success, and the sequel does the same. Featuring big set pieces and an action packed journey for the protagonists, the second film also provides Rachel Weisz’s character with more of a backstory. She and Rick are just as engaging this time round, as things are turned up a notch.
Scarlett Johansson: Lost In Translation (2003)
A middle-aged man filled with regrets meets a young woman in Japan. As both are wayward souls, the two instantly connect and begin to enjoy their time in the foreign country. Through their time together, the pair realize what’s been missing in their lives the whole time.
Bill Murray proves that comedic actors can shine in dramatic roles, and Scarlett Johansson is equally charming in this film that deals with the topic of depression and loneliness. The movie, being one of Johansson’s earliest works, is perhaps the best proof of her talents, as she excels in the role of a newlywed who just can’t seem to find the happiness she’s looking for.