In an interview with W magazine, she says, "In the sequel, you learn more about the sadness in her past."
Talking about how she landed the role, Johansson said, "People were surprised that I wanted to play a comic book heroine. But I loved 'Iron Man', and I met with Marvel to see what was possible.
"I had done my research, and the Black Widow character resonated with me. She is dark and has faced death so many times that she has a deep perspective on the value of life."