Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her character, Black Widow, is "dead" and she does not seem interested in reprising the role anytime soon. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson discussed the future of the Avenger in the MCU while also looking forward to making her mark in another big-budget franchise, this summer's Jurassic World Rebirth. Despite the significant role Black Widow played in her career, Johansson appears to have moved on from the character.
"Natasha is dead. She is dead. *She's dead.* Okay?" Johansson emphasized, addressing fans' persistent hopes for her return. "We’re going to *have* to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment." Johansson last played Black Widow in the 2021 standalone film, but the character met her definitive end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner's Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye. Despite this clear conclusion, fans continue to speculate about possible ways to bring her back.
"They just don't want to believe it," Johansson added. "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 deceased characters, fueling fan theories, especially with upcoming event movies like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. These films are anticipated not only as the next chapter for the MCU but also as potential showcases for cameo-filled spectacles.
While Robert Downey Jr. is set to transition from Iron Man to play Doctor Doom in a new live-action film, rumors have circulated about other familiar faces returning. The Wrap reported in December that Chris Evans might return as Captain America, a rumor he later denied, yet it has kept fans buzzing about potential future appearances. Similarly, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died in the MCU twice, is rumored to appear in next year’s Doomsday project. With so many names in the mix, it's understandable why fans continue to speculate about possible comebacks, 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, you can explore our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has planned. Additionally, don't miss the latest from Marvel with the third episode of Daredevil: Born Again, premiering tonight.
