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

Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has definitively stated that Black Widow is dead and shows no interest in reprising the role. During an interview with InStyle, while promoting her upcoming role in Jurassic World Dominion, Johansson addressed fan speculation about Natasha Romanoff's return. She emphatically declared, “Natasha is dead. She is dead. She's dead. Okay?”

Johansson acknowledges the character's significance in her career but firmly believes it's time to accept Black Widow's fate. Her death in Avengers: Endgame, a sacrifice to save Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner's Clint Barton), was depicted as unambiguous. Despite this, fan theories persist regarding potential returns. Johansson commented, “They just don't want to believe it... 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 speculation surrounding resurrected characters in the MCU is nothing new. Upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are anticipated to feature cameos, fueling fan theories. While Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom is confirmed, rumors of Chris Evans’s return as Captain America have been denied by Evans himself. Similarly, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, despite dying twice in the MCU, is still rumored for Doomsday. Given this context, it's understandable why fans speculate about Black Widow's potential return, despite Johansson's clear statement.

Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Until then, the mystery of which characters, living or dead, will appear remains. For more on the MCU, explore our comprehensive list of upcoming movies and shows. Don't forget to catch the latest episode of Daredevil: Born Again, airing tonight.