Scarlett Johansson "willingly" turned up on The Avengers set knowing that she was "going to get the c**p kicked" out of her.

The actress stars as the Black Widow in the upcoming superhero film.

Scarlett's role as a highly trained spy sees her partaking in a number of high-octane stunt scenes, which she grew accustomed to.

"I think just kind of going back day after day, knowing that you're going to get the c**p kicked out of you and you do it willingly is sort of a challenge in itself, a mental challenge," she told The Hollywood Reporter.

"But also I have to say that every time you fail at a stunt, it hurts until you get it right."

Scarlett stars in The Avengers alongside an impressive ensemble cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner.

The 27-year-old is excited to reprise her Marvel comic role on the big screen again.

"She's really the first female superhero. There's a huge rich background for me to kind of pick from and play with and layer," she explained.

"[Director] Joss [Whedon] and I were very conscious, very aware that she had this huge following.

"And why is that? Because she's this very multi-dimensional, enigmatic character to play."