Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly declared that her character, Black Widow, is "dead" and she shows no interest in reprising the role anytime soon. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson, who is now focusing on her role in this summer's Jurassic World Rebirth, addressed the speculation about her potential return as Natasha Romanoff. Despite Black Widow's significant impact on her career, Johansson seems ready to move on from the character.
"Natasha is dead. She is dead. She's dead. Okay?" Johansson stated emphatically, responding to fans' hopes for her comeback. "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 end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner's Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye. This death was as definitive as Marvel could make it, yet fans continue to theorize about possible returns.
"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 community has long speculated about the return of deceased characters, a tradition that continues with upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. These movies are not only anticipated as the next chapters in the MCU saga but also as potential showcases for numerous cameos.
While Robert Downey Jr. is set to transition from Iron Man to the iconic villain Doctor Doom in an upcoming film, other familiar faces are rumored to return. The Wrap reported in December that Chris Evans might reprise his role as Captain America, a rumor he later denied. Meanwhile, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in MCU films, is rumored to appear in the forthcoming Avengers: Doomsday project. With so many potential returns on the table, it's understandable why fans continue to speculate, even with Johansson's clear stance on 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 more updates on the MCU, check out our 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.
