Scarlett Johansson Confirms Black Widow's Death, No MCU Return

Scarlett Johansson, a seasoned veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her character, Black Widow, is "dead" and she doesn't seem keen on reprising the role in the near future. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson addressed the future of the Avenger in the MCU while she gears up for her next big-budget venture, Jurassic World Rebirth, set to hit theaters this summer. Despite Black Widow's significant impact on Johansson's career, the actress appears uninterested in revisiting Natasha Romanoff anytime soon.

"Natasha is dead. She is dead. *She's dead.* Okay?" Johansson emphasized when responding to fans' hopes for her return. "We’re going to *have* to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment." Although Johansson last portrayed the character in the 2021 standalone film Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff met her end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame by sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner's Clint Barton, known as Hawkeye. Despite the clear nature of her death, fans continue to speculate on her potential comeback.

"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 desire to see deceased characters return is not new to the MCU, with fans theorizing about potential comebacks long before Black Widow's sacrifice for the Soul Stone. Upcoming event movies like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are not only anticipated as the next big chapters for the MCU but also as potential platforms 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 swirled about other familiar faces returning. The Wrap reported in December that Chris Evans might reprise his role as Captain America, a claim he later denied, yet it fueled further speculation among fans. Additionally, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in MCU movies, is rumored to appear in next year's 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 those eager to stay updated on the MCU, you can explore our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has planned. Additionally, don't miss out on Marvel's latest project, Daredevil: Born Again, with its third episode premiering tonight.