In a candid interview with InStyle, Scarlett Johansson has firmly ruled out returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, stating that her character, Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow), is “dead” and should be allowed to have her “hero moment.”
Johansson’s Black Widow met her tragic end in Avengers: Endgame after making the ultimate sacrifice to save the universe. Although her character received a long-awaited standalone film in 2021, many fans have continued to hope for her return, especially considering the MCU’s history of bringing characters back from the dead.
However, Johansson is resolute in her stance that Natasha’s journey has come to an end. She bluntly addressed fan speculation, saying, “Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. Okay?” and implored fans to accept her character’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.”
Reflecting on Natasha’s death, Johansson previously explained that it was her character’s first “active choice,” signifying her final act of selflessness after a decade-long journey. She added, “It seemed very in-character, that ultimate sacrifice… She’s made peace with that, and, in some ways, has known that’s her destiny all along.”
As fans continue to speculate on possible returns for other beloved characters, Johansson’s message serves as a final call for closure on Natasha Romanoff’s story in the MCU.