Johansson: Black Widow's MCU Return Doubtful

Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has definitively stated that Black Widow is dead and shows no interest in reprising the role. During an interview with InStyle, while promoting her upcoming role in Jurassic World Dominion, Johansson addressed persistent fan speculation about Natasha Romanoff's return. She emphatically declared, “Natasha is dead. She is dead. She's dead. Okay?”

Johansson acknowledges the character's significance in her career but firmly believes it's time to accept Black Widow's fate. Black Widow's death in Avengers: Endgame, where she sacrificed herself to save Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), was presented as unambiguous. Despite this, fans continue to theorize about her potential return. Johansson responded to this, stating, “They just don't want to believe it... 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 desire to resurrect deceased characters in the MCU predates Black Widow's sacrifice. Upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are anticipated as potential vehicles for cameo appearances from previously deceased characters. While Robert Downey Jr.'s return as Doctor Doom is confirmed, rumors of Chris Evans's return as Captain America, subsequently denied by Evans himself, and Hayley Atwell's rumored appearance in Doomsday as Agent Carter (despite her character's on-screen demise) fuel further speculation. Despite these rumors and the persistent fan desire, Johansson's statement leaves little room for doubt regarding Black Widow's future. Fans will have to wait until Avengers: Doomsday (May 1, 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (May 7, 2027) to see which characters, living or dead, will appear.

For more MCU news, explore our comprehensive list of upcoming Marvel movies and shows. Additionally, don't miss the latest episode of Daredevil: Born Again, premiering tonight.