MCU Star Scarlett Johansson Casts Doubt on Black Widow Return: 'She's Dead'

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 keen on reprising the role in the near future. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson discussed the future of her iconic character while also looking forward to her next big project, Jurassic World Rebirth, set to release this summer. Despite her significant contribution to the MCU and the character's importance to her career, Johansson appears resolute about not returning to the role of Natasha Romanoff.

"Natasha is dead. She is dead. She's dead. Okay?" Johansson emphasized, responding to persistent fan calls for her return. She urged fans to let go, acknowledging Black Widow's heroic sacrifice: "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, where she sacrificed herself to save Jeremy Renner's character, Hawkeye, securing the Soul Stone. Despite the definitive nature of her character's death, fans continue to speculate about potential 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 has a history of reviving deceased characters, and upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are anticipated to be major events filled with cameos. These films, set for release on May 1, 2026, and May 7, 2027, respectively, have fueled fan speculation about which characters, dead or alive, might appear.

Other MCU stars have been rumored to return. Robert Downey Jr. is set to transition from Iron Man to play Doctor Doom, while rumors about Chris Evans reprising his role as Captain America were debunked by the actor himself. Additionally, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in the MCU, is rumored to appear in Avengers: Doomsday. With such a flurry of speculation, it's understandable why fans hope for Black Widow's return, despite Johansson's clear stance.

For those eager to stay updated on the MCU, 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 Daredevil: Born Again airing its third episode tonight.