Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her character, Black Widow, is "dead" and she appears uninterested in reprising the role in the near future. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson discussed her move to another major franchise, this summer's Jurassic World Rebirth, while addressing persistent fan hopes for Black Widow's return. Despite the significant impact Natasha Romanoff had on her career, Johansson made it clear that she is ready to move on from the character.
"Natasha is dead. She is dead. *She's dead.* Okay?" Johansson emphasized, firmly shutting down any speculation about her return. "We’re going to *have* to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment."
Although Johansson last played Black Widow in the 2021 standalone film, the character met her end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner's Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye. Despite the definitive nature of her death, fans continue to theorize about potential returns for Black Widow and other deceased characters.
"They just don't want to believe it," Johansson remarked. "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 bringing back characters thought to be permanently gone, fueling speculation around upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. These movies are not only anticipated as the next big chapters in the MCU but are also rumored to feature numerous cameos.
While Robert Downey Jr. is set to transition from Iron Man to play Doctor Doom in a new live-action project, there have been rumors about other familiar faces returning. For instance, The Wrap reported that Chris Evans might reprise his role as Captain America, though he later denied these claims. Similarly, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in the MCU, is rumored to appear in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. With so many characters potentially returning, fans' speculation about Black Widow's comeback persists, despite Johansson's clear stance.
Fans will 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, will make an appearance.
For more updates on the MCU, you can explore our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has in the works. Additionally, don't miss out on Marvel's latest series, Daredevil: Born Again, with its third episode premiering tonight.
