Scarlett Johansson, a prominent figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her character, Black Widow, is "dead" and she has no plans to return to the role in the near future. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson discussed her future, focusing on her upcoming role in this summer's Jurassic World Rebirth, while addressing persistent fan speculation about her potential return as Natasha Romanoff. Despite Black Widow's significant impact on Johansson's career, she remains resolute in her decision.
"Natasha is dead. She is dead. *She's dead.* Okay?" Johansson emphasized, responding to fans' calls for her character's revival. "We’re going to *have* to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment."
Johansson last portrayed Black Widow in the 2021 standalone film, but the character met her definitive end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner's Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye. Despite this clear narrative closure, fans continue to theorize about her possible return, a sentiment Johansson finds hard to accept. "They just don't want to believe it," she added. "They’re like, ‘But she could come back!’ Look, I think the balance of the entire universe is held in her hand. We’re going to *have* to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment."
The MCU has a history of resurrecting deceased characters, and upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are anticipated to be major events, possibly featuring numerous cameos. While Robert Downey Jr. is set to transition from Iron Man to play Doctor Doom, rumors have circulated about other familiar faces returning, including Chris Evans as Captain America, though he later denied these claims. Additionally, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in the MCU, is rumored to appear in the upcoming Doomsday project.
As fans continue to speculate about who might return in these blockbuster films, Johansson's stance on Black Widow remains unchanged. We'll have to wait until May 1, 2026, for Avengers: Doomsday, and May 7, 2027, for Avengers: Secret Wars to see which characters, living or dead, make an appearance.
For those eager for more MCU content, you can explore our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has in the works. Additionally, don't miss the latest from the comic book giant, Daredevil: Born Again, with its third episode premiering tonight.
