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?" Johansson emphatically declared, dismissing fan hopes for a resurrection. She emphasized the finality of Black Widow's sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, stating, "We’re going to have to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment." Although Black Widow's death was depicted unequivocally in the film, fans continue to theorize about potential returns, fueled by the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Johansson acknowledged this persistent fan belief, adding, "They just don't want to believe it. They’re like, ‘But she could come back!’" She reiterated the significance of Black Widow's heroic sacrifice, highlighting the closure it provides to the character's arc.
The speculation surrounding potential returns of deceased characters extends beyond Black Widow. Rumors abound regarding the involvement of other familiar faces in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. While Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to be playing Doctor Doom, rumors of Chris Evans's return as Captain America, later denied by Evans himself, continue to fuel fan excitement. Similarly, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, despite having died twice in the MCU, is rumored to appear in Doomsday.
Despite these rumors and the persistent hope among fans, Johansson's statement leaves little room for doubt regarding Black Widow's fate. 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.
