Scarlet Johansson lately offered a motive as to why Black Widow cannot return within the MCU, and I’ve to agree together with her. Black Widow’s MCU arc ostensibly got here to an in depth in Avengers: Endgame, when she grew to become one of many many heart-wrenching casualties of the MCU after sacrificing herself on Vormir in order that the Avengers might retrieve the Soul Stone. Nevertheless, this arc was subsequently fleshed out in 2021’s Black Widow, a prequel that befell simply after the occasions of Captain America: Civil Struggle.
It was an off-piste transfer from Marvel, however I definitely loved the best way it lastly spotlighted such a pivotal character within the historical past of the MCU. All through Black Widow’s MCU appearances, she was largely a supporting character whose abilities as a world-class murderer had been surprisingly well-suited to a staff that additionally counted a god and an invulnerable rage monster in its ranks. Nonetheless, regardless of her lengthy historical past and indelible mark on the MCU, Johansson has hit the nail on the pinnacle together with her evaluation of a possible return.
Scarlett Johansson’s 2025 Interview Raises A Actually Good Motive The Actor Would not Need To Return As Black Widow
Black Widow’s Story Has Ended
Scarlet Johansson hasn’t been part of the MCU since Black Widow, whereas most of her fellow Avengers (apart from Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers) have since starred or are quickly to star in one other post-Infinity Saga installment. Johnasson was requested about this state of affairs in an interview with Vainness Honest, the place it was introduced up that each Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth had been attributable to star in Avengers: Doomsday. Johansson mirrored fondly on her time working together with her co-stars, however instantly kicked again in opposition to the notion of returning, stating:
“I miss my buddies and actually would like to be with them eternally, however… her story is full. I do not need to mess with that.”
From behind-the-scenes snippets and interviews, I can see the place Johansson is coming from. Evidently, the attract of working within the MCU hasn’t eluded the likes of Hemsworth, however there’s nonetheless a motive for him to return, as Thor is each alive and effectively and nonetheless partaking in heroics throughout the galaxy as of Thor: Love and Thunder. Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU return, however, may recommend {that a} return for Black Widow is not past the realm of chance, however I discover it onerous to see how Marvel might pull this off appropriately.
I Do not Suppose There’s A Method The MCU Can Actually Pull Off Having The Unique Black Widow Return
The Unique Natasha Romanoff Is Useless
Black Widow’s death in the MCU was particular. Avengers: Infinity Struggle and Avengers: Endgame made positive to ascertain the gravity of the demise used to earn the Soul Stone because the form of demise that may’t be trivialized by means of, say, one other Infinity Stone or different means. This helped the demise to pack a punch, and underlined the significance of Black Widow’s character regardless of her vulnerability to being outshone by her superpowered teammates. Then once more, this type of demise has been seen earlier than and was considerably retconned by a brand new MacGuffin of the Multiverse Saga.
I believe it is honest to say that, even when Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars reintroduced Johansson to the MCU as a Black Widow variant, it might by no means be the unique, and solely dangers undermining Black Widow’s general character arc.
Loss of life on Vormir did not cease Gamora, whose Earth-616 variant was sacrificed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity Struggle, from returning in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. However, Guardians 3 additionally made it apparent that the Gamora variant who joined up with the Ravagers was not the identical character because the one who fell in love with Peter Quill. I believe it is honest to say that, even when Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars reintroduced Johansson to the MCU as a Black Widow variant, it might by no means be the unique, and solely dangers undermining Black Widow’s general character arc.
The MCU Is Already Exploring The Excellent Method To Maintain Black Widow’s Story Alive
Yelena Belova And Alexei Shostakov Maintain Her Legacy Alive
I a lot choose the choice that the MCU appears to be pursuing with the discharge of Thunderbolts*. Black Widow’s demise continues to be affecting the present MCU by inflicting misery to the household she left behind, specifically Yelena Belova and Alexei Shostakov. Thunderbolts* confirmed that Yelena nonetheless struggles together with her sister’s absence, and proceeded to highlight her as the brand new chief of the New Avengers, ostensibly having her succeed her late sister’s position within the MCU.
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Yelena Belova Is The Best New MCU Phase 4-6 Character
Marvel’s new Thunderbolts* film makes it official and tremendous onerous to disclaim: Yelena Belova is the MCU’s finest new Section 4-6 character by far.
It is a way more touching and respectful option to cope with Black Widow’s MCU legacy. I wholeheartedly agree with Scarlett Johansson’s sentiment that Black Widow‘s story is full insofar as she should not return, however would additionally argue that it lives on within the household she left behind. Now that Yelena has been arrange as a central determine in Avengers: Doomsday, I hope that Natasha Romanoff’s affect continues to be felt and due to this fact stored alive with out Marvel feeling the necessity to resurrect the character as a variant.
