Scarlett Johansson begs MCU fans who keep asking about Black Widow return to ‘let it go’

Superheroes might have a knack for dodging death, but Scarlett Johansson says her Marvel alter ego will not be making a comeback.

Johansson has firmly shut the door on any chance of reprising her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though Marvel fans continue to hold out hope for familiar faces returning, Johansson made it clear that her time as Natasha Romanoff has reached its end. 

Speaking to InStyle, the actress tackled persistent fan theories about Natasha Romanoff’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The assassin-turned-Avenger made her emotional exit in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing herself to secure the Soul Stone and help defeat Thanos.

Yet, years later, fans still hold out hope for a surprise return.

“Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. Okay?” Johansson stressed during the interview, keen to put the matter to rest.

With Marvel steadily moving into its next phase, set to kick off with this summer’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, the rumour mill has been working overtime.

Some have speculated that Johansson’s Black Widow could somehow reappear, given the MCU’s fondness for twists and alternate realities.

But Johansson has confirmed she has no plans to slip back into the superspy’s catsuit.

Johansson said, “They just don’t want to believe it.”

“They’re like, ‘But she could come back!’”

She continued, “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.”

Fans last saw Black Widow in the 2021 solo film, which filled in the gaps of Natasha’s story following her character’s death in Avengers: Endgame.

Johansson portrayed the iconic Avenger for over a decade, debuting in Iron Man 2 back in 2010 and appearing in several MCU blockbusters, including The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Avengers: Endgame.

Marvel fans will soon be introduced to a revamped Avengers team, returning in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday.

The film will also welcome back Robert Downey Jr., though not in his iconic role as Tony Stark. Instead, he’s set to play the infamous villain Dr. Doom.