MCU: Potential Return of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow

Essential Insights

Scarlett Johansson is expected to reprise her role as Black Widow in future major Marvel Cinematic Universe projects.
The actress’s solid collaboration with Marvel Studios and possible guest appearances signal a resurgence of Black Widow.
The introduction of Adam Warlock and the interconnected Secret Wars narrative could facilitate the return of Natasha Romanoff.

Scarlett Johansson may soon come back as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), despite her character’s poignant farewell in Avengers: Endgame. The ongoing Multiverse Saga and the forthcoming Secret Wars storyline strongly suggest that Natasha Romanoff will rejoin the franchise—it’s merely a matter of how and when.

Given Marvel Studios’ track record of keeping their Original Six Avengers actors engaged, Black Widow’s return feels likely. Recent examples include Chris Evans’ electrifying cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine, alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s unexpected reappearance as Doctor Doom. It’s anticipated that Johansson will reprise her iconic role, perhaps in an alternate timeline or dimension, ensuring her return contributes significant narrative weight rather than serving solely as fan service.

Can Scarlett Johansson’s Bond with Marvel Bring Back Black Widow?

Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova in the Black Widow film

The relationship between ScarJo and Marvel appears to have stabilized significantly since earlier tensions surrounding her standalone film’s box office results and the subsequent lawsuit with Disney. Currently, the actress holds a strong working partnership with the studio. In an exciting twist for fans, Johansson is listed as one of the executive producers for the upcoming Thunderbolts film, which features her Black Widow co-stars such as Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Olga Kurylenko. This could pave the way for a glimpse of Natasha Romanoff, potentially via a flashback seen through Yelena’s eyes.

Looking further ahead, Johansson’s return to the MCU as Black Widow is likely in larger-scale projects such as Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. If Marvel decides to resurrect her character, it would be more substantial than a fleeting cameo similar to those in Deadpool. Natasha’s demise in Endgame was a pivotal and emotional event in the franchise, and it’s improbable that Kevin Feige’s team would reverse such a profound narrative element for mere monetary gain. Moreover, with the ongoing multiverse dynamics, there’s room for her resurrection without disrupting prior events, akin to the alternate Logan featured in Deadpool and Wolverine. Just last year, Johansson shared her feelings about a potential return to the MCU during an interview on The Today Show.

I think it might be… I think it was the end, right? I don’t know how you come back from that. […] She did, she did. She passed. […] I would have… it would be a miracle. It would be real Marvel miracle. It would be a marvel. But, you know, who knows? Eh… I’m not sure.

Adam Warlock’s Soul Stone Powers Might Bring Black Widow Back

Adam Warlock in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

The writers might utilize Adam Warlock, portrayed by Will Poulter in Guardians of the Galaxy 3, to facilitate Black Widow’s revival. In the comics, Adam frequently serves as the guardian of the Soul Stone and can even inhabit the Soul World. By the conclusion of GotG 3, he becomes a part of the new Guardians team under Rocket Raccoon’s command. Therefore, if the MCU develops a narrative where Adam Warlock can access the Soul Stone or unlock the Soul World, this could create an opportunity to resurrect individuals who sacrificed themselves for the Soul Stone, including Natasha.

However, reviving Black Widow would not be straightforward for Adam Warlock; as the custodian of the Soul Stone, he would confront the vast cosmic consequences of freeing a soul from the realm. Each Infinity Stone exerts tremendous power, and any disruption in their equilibrium could lead to serious ramifications. Even if Warlock gains control over the Soul Stone or can open the Soul World at will, doing so would require significant sacrifices for the greater good. Such a high-stakes scenario seems plausible within the buildup to the MCU’s Secret Wars storyline.

Secret Wars Could Allow Natasha to Lead the Avengers Again

For this to materialize, both Doomsday and Secret Wars must follow a similar structure to Infinity War and Endgame, where all hope is lost initially and a miracle involving time travel or the multiverse allows for a reunion later. If Marvel opts to introduce an alternative version of Natasha in this narrative, they could leverage the battle-hardened variant from What If…? season 1, episode 8, “What If… Ultron Won?” Additionally, she might lead or participate in a faction like S.H.I.E.L.D. or Thor Corps on the MCU’s Battleworld. Black Widow’s inclusion in Secret Wars would provide genuine emotional moments, giving rise to heartfelt meetings with her ally Clint Barton (Hawkeye) or potential love interest Bruce Banner (Hulk).

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In essence, Natasha Romanoff could emerge in a critical scenario demanding her return alongside her fellow Original Six Avengers. Her essence, currently in limbo, could temporarily manifest if the stakes are sufficiently high. This would honor her courageous sacrifice, respect her story’s foundation, and serve as a magnificent fan service moment as they come together again in a transformed multiverse—perhaps reminiscent of a nostalgic circular camera shot from the 2012 film. Although it may seem ambitious, there’s no harm in aiming high in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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