Scarlett Johansson Confirms: Black Widow Won't Return, Declares Character Dead

Scarlett Johansson, a 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 anytime soon. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson reflected on her future beyond the MCU, with her next venture being the big-budget film Jurassic World Rebirth this summer. Despite the significant impact Black Widow had on her career, Johansson appears content with leaving Natasha Romanoff behind.

"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." Although Johansson last played the character in the 2021 standalone film Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff met her end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye. Despite the clear finality of her death, fans continue to speculate about potential comebacks.

"They just don't want to believe it," Johansson said about fans' refusal to accept Black Widow's demise. "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 resurrecting characters, fueling speculation around upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. These event movies are not only anticipated as the next big chapters for the MCU but also as potential platforms for numerous cameos.

There are rumors about other MCU stars making returns. Robert Downey Jr. is set to transition from Iron Man to play Doctor Doom in a live-action film, marking the first time in over a decade. Meanwhile, despite Chris Evans denying reports from The Wrap about returning as Captain America, the speculation continues. Additionally, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in the MCU, is rumored to appear in next year’s Doomsday project. With so many beloved characters potentially returning, it's no surprise fans are hopeful about seeing Black Widow again. However, we'll need to wait until May 1, 2026, for Avengers: Doomsday and May 7, 2027, for Avengers: Secret Wars to see who, living or dead, will make an appearance.

For more on the MCU, check out our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has in the works. You can also catch the latest episode of Daredevil: Born Again, which premieres its third episode tonight.