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 declared Black Widow "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 persistent fan speculation about Natasha Romanoff's return. She stated emphatically, “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 let Black Widow's heroic sacrifice rest. Black Widow's death in Avengers: Endgame, where she sacrificed herself to save Hawkeye, was unambiguous. However, this hasn't stopped fan theories about her potential resurrection. 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.”

This speculation is fueled by the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, anticipated as cameo-filled events. While Robert Downey Jr.'s return as Doctor Doom is confirmed, rumors persist about other characters, including Chris Evans's Captain America (a claim Evans himself has denied), and Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in the MCU yet is still rumored for Doomsday. Despite these rumors and the widespread speculation, Johansson's stance on Black Widow's return remains unwavering.

Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Until then, the question of who will—and won't—return remains unanswered. For more on the MCU, explore our comprehensive list of upcoming movies and shows. Additionally, don't miss the third episode of Daredevil: Born Again, premiering tonight.