Scarlett Johansson, a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her character, Black Widow, is "dead" and she doesn't seem keen on reprising the role in the near future. In a candid interview with InStyle, Johansson expressed her thoughts on the future of her iconic character while looking forward to her next big venture in the upcoming summer blockbuster, Jurassic World Rebirth. Despite Black Widow's significant impact on her career, Johansson appears to have moved on from the character.

"Natasha is dead. She is dead. She's dead. Okay?" Johansson firmly stated, addressing the persistent calls from fans for her return. She emphasized the need to respect the character's heroic sacrifice, saying, "We’re going to have to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment."

Although Johansson last played Black Widow in the 2021 standalone film, the character met her definitive end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, where she sacrificed herself to save Jeremy Renner's character, Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye. Despite this clear and unambiguous death, fans continue to speculate about potential ways Black Widow could return.

"They just don't want to believe it," Johansson remarked about fans' refusal to accept Black Widow's fate. "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 MCU has a history of reviving deceased characters, fueling anticipation for upcoming event movies such as Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. These films are not only seen as the next big chapter for the MCU but also as potential platforms for numerous character cameos.

Speculation about returning characters is rampant, with Robert Downey Jr. set to transition from Iron Man to the role of Doctor Doom, marking over a decade since the character's last live-action appearance. Rumors have swirled around other iconic figures as well. The Wrap reported in December that Chris Evans might return as Captain America, a claim he later denied, yet it has sparked further speculation among fans.

Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter, who has died twice in the MCU, is also rumored to appear in next year's Doomsday project. With so many beloved characters potentially making a comeback, it's understandable why fans continue to hope for Black Widow's return, despite Johansson's clear stance.

Fans will have to wait until May 1, 2026, for Avengers: Doomsday, and May 7, 2027, for Avengers: Secret Wars, to see which characters, alive or deceased, will make an appearance.

For those eager to stay updated on the MCU, you can explore our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has planned. Additionally, don't miss the latest from Marvel's current project, Daredevil: Born Again, with its third episode premiering tonight.