As Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson has become an increasingly important player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She helped bring Tony Stark closer to the Avengers initiative in "Iron Man 2," she fought alongside Earth's mightiest heroes in "The Avengers," and she was Steve Rogers' most trusted confidant in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." Soon, she'll bring her black-ops talents to bear upon the robot menace of "Avengers: Age of Ultron," in theaters next year.

But what about her own movie? When will Johansson stand front and center in a "Black Widow" film all her own? There are no such plans on the schedule at the moment, but several of Johansson's fans and even her colleagues (including Jessica Chastain) are calling on Marvel to make the "Black Widow" movie happen.

Now, add a new voice to that conversation: Robert Downey, Jr.

In a USA Today interview, the "Iron Man" actor, and outspoken Marvel ambassador, was asked about his opinions on whether or not Marvel should move forward with a "Black Widow" film. His initial response: "Doesn't Scarlett deserve a break?"

Of course, Downey is referring to the fact that Johansson is pregnant with her first child. But what about after she gives birth? Given the character's prominence, and given Johansson's success leading action movies on her own (see: "Lucy"), Downey admits that a "Black Widow" movie makes sense.

"It just seems like whatever Scarlett does people want to go see it," Downey said.

The big problem, in Downey's opinion, is that there are simply too many characters who deserve their own full-fledged Marvel Studios movies.

"The funny thing is honestly at this point everyone deserves a franchise," Downey continued. "I think Jeremy Renner is — when folks see the 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' he's just a rockstar, a bada--. And Ruffalo is pumped. He does great [work]. I'd like to hear them talk even more seriously about a 'Hulk' franchise, because that's been one of the toughest ones to get right. But I'm sure that my parent company is feeling expansive and bold after the summer they've had."

Whether or not Marvel moves forward with a "Black Widow" movie, Johansson at least will appear in the next "Avengers" film, in theaters on May 1, 2015.