Scarlett Johansson Doubts Black Widow's Return: 'She's Dead'

Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her iconic character, Black Widow, is "dead" and she does not appear eager to reprise the role anytime soon. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson addressed the future of the Avenger in the MCU while gearing up for her role in this summer's big-budget film, Jurassic World Rebirth. Despite the significant impact Black Widow had 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." Johansson last portrayed the character in the 2021 standalone film Black Widow, but the character met her definitive end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner's Clint Barton, known as Hawkeye. Despite the clear narrative closure, fans continue to speculate about possible ways to bring her back.

"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 a long history of hoping for the return of deceased characters, and the upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are anticipated not just as the next big chapters but also as potential platforms for numerous character cameos.

Rumors have swirled about other MCU stars returning, including Robert Downey Jr. potentially taking on the role of Doctor Doom, and Chris Evans possibly reprising his role as Captain America, though he later denied these claims. Additionally, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice within the MCU, is rumored to appear in Doomsday. With so many characters speculated to return, it's understandable why fans continue to hold out hope for Black Widow, 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 the latest from Marvel with the third episode of Daredevil: Born Again premiering tonight.