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 persistent fan speculation about Natasha Romanoff's return. "Natasha is dead. She is dead. She's dead. Okay?" she emphatically declared. Johansson acknowledges the character's significance in her career but insists it's time to accept Black Widow's heroic sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, where she died saving Clint Barton (Hawkeye). "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.”

Despite the unambiguous nature of Black Widow's death, fan theories persist, fueled by upcoming MCU films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. These films are anticipated not only as the next chapter for the MCU but also as potential showcases for returning characters. While Robert Downey Jr.'s return as Doctor Doom is confirmed, rumors surrounding other characters, such as Chris Evans's potential return as Captain America (later denied by Evans himself), and Hayley Atwell's rumored appearance as Agent Carter in Doomsday (despite her character's on-screen deaths), continue to fuel speculation. Johansson's firm denial, however, seems to put an end to hopes of Black Widow's resurrection.

Fans will have to wait until Avengers: Doomsday (May 1, 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (May 7, 2027) to see which characters, living or dead, will appear. For more on the MCU, check out our list of every upcoming movie and show, and don't miss the third episode of Daredevil: Born Again, premiering tonight.