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 appears uninterested in reprising the role anytime soon. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson discussed the future of her iconic Avenger while also looking forward to her role in the upcoming big-budget film, Jurassic World Rebirth. Despite the significant impact Black Widow had on her career, Johansson seems ready to move on from the character.

"Natasha is dead. She is dead. *She's dead.* Okay?" Johansson emphasized, addressing fans' 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 portrayed 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 the clear nature of her character's death, fans continue to speculate about potential comebacks.

"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 with potential cameos. Speculation about returning characters is rampant, especially with news that Robert Downey Jr. will transition from Iron Man to play Doctor Doom, and rumors about Chris Evans reprising his role as Captain America, despite his denial. 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, it's understandable why fans continue to hope for Black Widow's return, even with 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 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, as Daredevil: Born Again premieres its third episode tonight.