Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her character, Black Widow, is "dead" and expressed little interest in reprising the role in the near future. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson discussed the future of her iconic Avenger while shifting her focus to her upcoming role in this summer's big-budget film, Jurassic World Rebirth. Despite her significant contribution to the MCU, and the character's impact on her career, Johansson seems content to leave Natasha Romanoff behind.
"Natasha is dead. She is dead. *She's dead.* Okay?" Johansson emphasized, responding to fans' persistent calls for 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 definitive end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton, known as Hawkeye. Despite this clear narrative closure, fans continue to speculate about potential ways for her to return.
"They just don't want to believe it," Johansson noted. "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 desire to see deceased characters return is not new among MCU fans, especially with major events like the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon. These films are anticipated not only as pivotal chapters for the MCU but also as potential platforms for numerous cameos, adding fuel to fans' hopes for familiar faces to reappear.
While Robert Downey Jr. is set to transition from Iron Man to play Doctor Doom for the first time in over a decade, there have been rumors about other iconic characters returning. The Wrap reported in December that Chris Evans might reprise his role as Captain America, though he later denied these claims. This has not stopped fans from wondering about his possible involvement in future MCU projects. Additionally, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in the MCU, is rumored to appear in the upcoming Doomsday project. With so many beloved characters potentially returning, fans' speculation is understandable, even as Johansson remains firm about Black Widow's fate.
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 those eager for more MCU updates, you can explore our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has in the works. Additionally, don't miss the latest from Marvel with the third episode of Daredevil: Born Again premiering tonight.
