“They Used Us!” – The Untold Story Behind Scarlett Johansson & Chris Evans’ Marvel Journey

For years, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans were the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, carrying the weight of billions in box office revenue for Disney and Marvel Studios.

Their star power was harnessed to fuel a relentless promotional machine, but beneath the surface, both actors faced systematic mistreatment and control that few outside the industry knew about.

Johansson, named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in 2025, shared a heartfelt tribute written by Evans, which carried a hidden message about the trauma they shared.

This trauma, they say, was deliberately covered up by the studios, who treated them as disposable tools rather than respected artists.

The relentless filming schedules, invasive media obligations, and a complete disregard for their personal lives created a toxic environment that tested their mental and emotional limits.

The abuse wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal.

Johansson, a mother of two, was pressured to prioritize studio demands over family life, enduring stress that exacerbated her health issues.

Meanwhile, Evans, despite his “Captain America” persona, suffered in silence, battling anxiety and the toxic effects of social media harassment orchestrated by studio-aligned bot campaigns.

The studios used their influence to silence any dissent.

Legal threats, character assassination attempts, and gaslighting made Johansson and Evans question their own experiences.

Evans’ decision to deactivate his social media accounts in 2023 was not merely about avoiding addiction; it was a retreat from relentless online attacks fueled by corporate interests aiming to control his narrative.

Perhaps the most shocking revelation is how, even after their contracts ended, Disney and Marvel continued to profit from their images and voices without proper compensation.

Johansson has been a vocal advocate for establishing clear boundaries around AI use, after having her likeness stolen by AI companies, including a high-profile incident involving OpenAI.

These violations not only threatened her livelihood but also sparked a wider debate about digital rights for performers in the age of artificial intelligence.

The psychological toll of this exploitation was profound.

Johansson’s skin problems and health struggles were worsened by chronic stress, while Evans faced intense scrutiny over his personal relationships, which were often manipulated by publicity machines to create marketable narratives.

Their personal lives were invaded, sabotaged, and commodified, leaving little room for authentic self-expression.

Financially, the actors were shortchanged.

Although they earned substantial salaries upfront, the studios structured long-term profit deals heavily in their favor.

As Marvel properties continued to generate billions through streaming, merchandise, and licensing, Johansson and Evans saw little of those ongoing profits.

Their genuine friendship and chemistry, a rare bright spot, was cynically exploited to keep them committed to projects and maximize promotional value.

The breaking point came when AI companies began using Johansson’s voice and likeness without permission, forcing her to confront the broader implications of digital exploitation.

The infamous Open AI incident, where a chatbot used a voice nearly identical to hers despite her refusal to grant permission, revealed the alarming lack of protections for performers in the digital era.

Evans’ struggles with social media harassment also highlight how studios weaponized online platforms against their own stars.

Coordinated harassment campaigns and invasive scrutiny pushed him to withdraw from public digital spaces, illustrating the immense pressure placed on actors to conform to corporate narratives.

Behind the scenes, both actors were contractually gagged by non-disparagement clauses that prevented them from speaking out during their tenure.

They were forced to maintain a facade of gratitude and enthusiasm while enduring systemic abuse—a reality starkly different from their public personas.

Their experiences also shed light on the fragmented and controlled nature of Marvel filmmaking.

Evans described the start-stop production process as a deliberate tactic to keep actors isolated and uninformed, preventing collaboration that might challenge studio control.

This strategy ensured the studios maintained absolute power over creative and working conditions.

Despite the hardships, both Johansson and Evans have begun using their platform to advocate for change.

Johansson’s push for AI regulation and performer rights aims to protect future generations from digital exploitation.

Evans’ pivot toward theater and independent projects reflects a desire for creative freedom and a rejection of the corporate system that once controlled him.

Their courage has come at a cost.

Reports suggest they have been quietly blacklisted from certain projects and pressured to avoid controversial topics, a clear message from the industry to remain silent or face professional exile.

Yet, their willingness to speak out has sparked a growing resistance movement among performers demanding accountability and reform.

The impact of their revelations extends beyond Hollywood’s elite.

If two of the industry’s most protected stars could be exploited so thoroughly, what does that mean for less established actors without access to legal resources or public platforms?

Their story is a call to action, urging audiences, performers, and industry professionals to demand fundamental changes to how talent is treated, compensated, and respected.

As Johansson and Evans continue to rebuild their careers on their own terms, their advocacy signals a potential turning point in entertainment history.

The days of silent suffering and systemic exploitation may finally be ending, but only if the industry and its audience insist on transparency, fairness, and respect for the human beings behind the blockbuster characters.

Their story is not just about Hollywood’s dark side—it’s about resilience, integrity, and the fight for dignity in an industry that too often puts profit over people.

The Marvel heroes we admired on screen have become real-life champions for change, shining a light on the shadows and inspiring a new era of performer empowerment.