Will Scarlett Johansson Return As Black Widow In The MCU?

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Exploring the Possibilities of a Black Widow Return

The seemingly definitive nature of Black Widow's death in Avengers: Endgame doesn't entirely preclude her return. Several factors suggest a sliver of hope for those yearning to see Scarlett Johansson back in the MCU.

The Power of the Multiverse

The MCU's recent exploration of the multiverse has opened up a Pandora's Box of narrative possibilities. Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home demonstrated the potential for bringing back characters thought to be permanently gone. This offers several avenues for Black Widow's potential reappearance:

• Alternate timelines could feature a different version of Black Widow. We could see a Natasha Romanoff from a parallel universe, retaining her core personality but with a drastically different history and trajectory.
• A flashback sequence or cameo in a future film is plausible. A brief appearance, even as a ghostly apparition or memory, could be a powerful way to honor her legacy without contradicting established continuity.
• The multiverse opens avenues for unexpected character reappearances. This narrative tool allows for cameos, brief encounters, or even fully fleshed-out storylines featuring alternate versions of beloved characters, including Natasha Romanoff.

The Success of the Black Widow Solo Film

The success of the Black Widow solo film is another critical factor. Its box office performance and critical reception offer valuable insight into the character's continued popularity and marketability.

• Financial success could justify further investment in the character. A profitable solo film demonstrates a continued audience interest in Black Widow, potentially encouraging Marvel Studios to explore future appearances.
• Positive reviews could encourage Marvel to keep the character alive in different forms. Critical acclaim for the solo film suggests a strong foundation for future stories featuring Black Widow, even if only in flashback sequences or alternate timelines.
• The introduction of Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) provides a potential narrative path. Yelena's introduction offers a compelling storyline linking back to Black Widow, providing a pathway for subtle or even overt references, even without Scarlett Johansson’s direct involvement.

The Actress's Willingness to Return

Scarlett Johansson's public statements and interviews regarding her future with the MCU are essential to consider. Her willingness, or lack thereof, to reprise the role could be the deciding factor.

• Consider her past statements about her experience playing Black Widow. Has she expressed any desire to continue her portrayal of the character? Her past remarks could provide insight into her current feelings.
• Assess if her other acting commitments could hinder her return. Scarlett Johansson's career trajectory and other project commitments could impact her availability for future MCU projects.
• Explore potential financial incentives that could sway her decision. The potential for lucrative compensation could be a motivating factor in influencing her decision regarding a return.

Narrative Possibilities within the MCU's Future

Marvel Studios possesses the creative prowess to organically weave Black Widow's return into existing or future storylines. Several narrative possibilities exist:

• The potential for flashbacks or dream sequences. These allow for appearances without contradicting her death in Avengers: Endgame.
• The opportunity for a mentor-mentee dynamic with Yelena Belova. This could provide a powerful storyline continuing Black Widow's legacy through Yelena's actions.
• The potential for introducing a new villain connected to Black Widow's past. This could provide a compelling reason for a return, even if only through flashbacks or appearances in alternate timelines.

Conclusion

While the probability of Scarlett Johansson's immediate return as Black Widow seems low, given Natasha's sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, the multiverse's potential and the success of her solo film present significant possibilities. The narrative opportunities are plentiful, but the ultimate decision rests on Marvel Studios and Scarlett Johansson's collective assessment of the situation.

Call to Action: What do YOU think? Will Scarlett Johansson return as Black Widow in the MCU? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below! Let's discuss the future of Black Widow and the possibilities of a return in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!