Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her character, Black Widow, is "dead" and expressed little interest in reprising the role anytime soon. During an interview with InStyle, Johansson discussed the future of her iconic Avenger character while looking forward to her role in the upcoming big-budget film, Jurassic World Rebirth, set to release this summer. Despite Black Widow's significant impact on her career, Johansson seems content to leave Natasha Romanoff behind.

"Natasha is dead. She is dead. *She's dead.* Okay?" Johansson emphasized, addressing fans who hope for her return. "We’re going to *have* to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment." Johansson last played Black Widow in the 2021 standalone film, but the character met her definitive end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to save Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye. Despite the clarity of her character's death, fans continue to speculate on potential comebacks.

"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."

The desire to bring back deceased characters in the MCU is not new, with upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars being touted as major events potentially featuring numerous cameos. While Robert Downey Jr. will transition from Iron Man to the new live-action Doctor Doom, rumors swirl about other familiar faces returning. Despite The Wrap reporting in December that Chris Evans might return as Captain America—a claim he later denied—fans continue to speculate about his involvement. Similarly, Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in MCU films, is rumored to appear in next year's Doomsday project.

With so many potential returns on the horizon, it's understandable that fans hold out hope for Black Widow's revival. However, Johansson's stance remains clear. We'll have to wait until May 1, 2026, for Avengers: Doomsday, and May 7, 2027, for Avengers: Secret Wars to see which characters, dead or alive, will make an appearance.

For those eager for more MCU content, check out our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has planned. Additionally, don't miss the latest episodes of Marvel's recent project, Daredevil: Born Again, with its third episode premiering tonight.