In a new interview, Marvel Cinematic Universe star Scarlett Johansson refers to Bruce Banner/the Hulk as a mutant. Johansson is currently promoting the upcoming Black Widow solo film, in which she stars as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. The movie has been a long time coming, with many calling for a standalone story for the character since she debuted in Iron Man 2. Johansson has gone on to star in several Marvel films, including last year's Avengers: Endgame, which wrapped up the decade-long Infinity Saga.

A key part of Natasha's journey has been her relationship with Mark Ruffalo's Hulk. The two first made a connection in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where Black Widow was able to connect with Bruce even while he was in his Hulk form. Though their relationship became romantic for a time, it wasn't explored very much in later movies. However, the two remained co-Avengers and good friends. This went on until Natasha's sacrifice for the Soul Stone in Avengers: Endgame, ending her time in the present-day MCU. The Black Widow movie is set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, allowing for Natasha's return.

Related: Why Disney Delayed New Mutants But Not Black Widow

In an interview with EW, Johansson discussed one of the biggest moments in any MCU film, when the Avengers gather in a circle during the Battle of New York. Describing the scene, Johansson revealed, "None of us knew if this movie was going to work. It seemed crazy." She went further, explaining, "There's a Nordic God, there's the Tony Stark character the billionaire playboy, and then there's a mutant scientist who's got an anger management problem." Johansson also spoke about the uncertainty of whether The Avengers would be a success, saying, "This sounds like people are either going to love it, or it's going to be a mess."

The Avengers during the Battle of New York

Of her commentary on the pivotal scene, Johansson's description of Hulk as a "mutant scientist" is most interesting, especially considering what the world usually means in the Marvel world. Mutants are characters who get their powers via genetics, specifically, the X-gene. The most well-known versions are the X-Men, who haven't yet appeared in the MCU. Hulk, on the other hand, got his powers due to exposure to gamma rays, not because of a gene. This means he isn't a mutant, but rather a character like Spider-Man who gets his powers from an outside source.

In this case, it's likely Johansson was using the word mutant more generally, not in reference to its Marvel connotation. It's also interesting to hear her perspective on what became one of the MCU's standout moments. As the very first teamup movie, The Avengers already holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. That scene in particular is one of the reasons. Hopefully, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans will hear more about key Black Widow scenes as Johansson continues to promote her upcoming film.

More: Black Widow Theory: [SPOILER] Is The Secret Villain

Source: EW

Key Release Dates