Scarlett Johansson, a seasoned star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly stated that her iconic character, Black Widow, is "dead" and she appears uninterested in reprising the role anytime soon. During a candid interview with InStyle, Johansson expressed her focus on future projects, including the upcoming blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth set to release this summer. Despite her pivotal role in the MCU, Johansson seems content to leave Black Widow behind.

"Natasha is dead. She is dead. She's dead. Okay?" Johansson emphasized, addressing fans' persistent calls for her return. "We’re going to have to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment." Black Widow, or Natasha Romanoff, last appeared in the 2021 standalone film Black Widow, but her 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 narrative closure, fans continue to speculate about potential ways to bring her back.

"They just don't want to believe it," Johansson remarked on fans' reluctance 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."

The MCU has a history of resurrecting characters, fueling fan theories and excitement for upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. These films are not only anticipated as pivotal chapters in the MCU's ongoing saga but also as potential showcases for returning characters. Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to transition from Iron Man to play Doctor Doom in a new live-action project, while rumors about other familiar faces, such as Chris Evans possibly reprising his role as Captain America, continue to circulate despite his denials. Additionally, Hayley Atwell’s Agent Carter, who has died twice within the MCU, is rumored to appear in the upcoming Doomsday project.

With so many possibilities on the horizon, it's understandable why fans are speculating about potential cameos, even as Johansson firmly denies any return for Black Widow. 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 dead, will make an appearance.

For those eager to stay updated on the MCU, our comprehensive list of every upcoming movie and show Marvel has in development is a great resource. Additionally, don't miss the latest episodes of Marvel's recent project, Daredevil: Born Again, with its third episode premiering tonight.