Scarlett Johansson Must Return to the MCU Following Chris Evans’ Casting in Avengers: Doomsday

Scarlett Johansson Must Return to the MCU Following Chris Evans’ Casting in Avengers: Doomsday

The anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday continues to grow, especially with the exciting news of Chris Evans returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In this context, I can’t help but hope for the return of Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow. Natasha has been a pivotal character in the MCU, and her demise in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame left many fans wanting more. Although the 2021 standalone film, Black Widow, offered a glimpse back into her story, it fell short in fully honoring her legacy.

Over the years, I have felt that Black Widow has often been sidelined within the MCU, promoting the desire for Scarlett Johansson to reclaim the spotlight her character deserves. With Marvel confirming the return of directors Russo brothers and Robert Downey Jr. for Avengers: Doomsday, there appears to be an opportunity for Johansson to re-enter the fold.

Chris Evans’ Return to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday

Chris Evans: Captain America from 2011 to 2019

Chris Evans as Captain America running in the forest in Avengers Age of Ultron

Fans received the news of Chris Evans’ return with excitement, particularly following his brief return in Deadpool & Wolverine. This highly-anticipated comeback marks his entry into the Avengers: Doomsday cast after a significant hiatus from the franchise. Between 2011 and 2019, Evans portrayed Steve Rogers across ten Marvel films, making him one of the franchise’s most recognizable figures.

Film Title

Year

Character

Captain America: The First Avenger

2011

Steve Rogers

The Avengers

2012

Steve Rogers

Thor: The Dark World

2013

Loki

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

2014

Steve Rogers

Avengers: Age of Ultron

2015

Steve Rogers

Ant-Man

2015

Steve Rogers

Captain America: Civil War

2016

Steve Rogers

Spider-Man: Homecoming

2017

Steve Rogers

Avengers: Infinity War

2018

Steve Rogers

Captain Marvel

2019

Steve Rogers

Avengers: Endgame

2019

Steve Rogers

Deadpool & Wolverine

2024

Johnny Storm

Avengers: Doomsday

2026

TBD

While speculation surrounds the specifics of Evans’ character in the upcoming film, there are intriguing theories suggesting he could portray a corrupted version of Captain America under HYDRA’s influence. This is reminiscent of Robert Downey Jr.’s transition into the role of Doctor Doom, a significant shift from his previous portrayal as Iron Man. Evans’ return amplifies my desire to see Johansson back alongside her fellow Avengers.

Avengers: Doomsday: The Return of Original Avengers

Scarlett Johansson: The Last Original Avenger in Avengers: Doomsday

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Recently, Marvel Studios leader Kevin Feige announced Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, revealing he will embody Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. This ensures that the emotional resonance of Tony Stark’s sacrifice in Endgame remains intact. Alongside Downey Jr., Chris Evans’ return raises hopes that other original Avengers, such as Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, and Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye, will make appearances in this major crossover event.

The reunion of the original male Avengers from 2012’s The Avengers is shaping up to be a momentous occasion. However, the absence of Scarlett Johansson would be a disappointing oversight in an otherwise thrilling reunion.

The Desire for Scarlett Johansson’s Reunion with the Avengers

Scarlett Johansson’s Potential Concerns Regarding a Return

Original Avengers Team

Throughout her tenure in the MCU, Natasha Romanoff has faced considerable sidelining, often overshadowed by her male counterparts. Not returning alongside the original Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday would feel like a disservice to the character and to the fans. However, personal reservations from Johansson, particularly in light of her high-profile legal battles with Disney, could impact her willingness to return.

While the past disputes may suggest a reluctant return, other recent developments, including Johansson’s involvement as an executive producer in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, signify potential reconciliation. Her continued collaboration with Marvel implies a strong professional relationship, paving the way for her potential return.

Exploring Potential Roles for Scarlett Johansson in Avengers: Doomsday

A New Character for Scarlett Johansson?

Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow
Marvel Studios

If Johansson were to return, many fans anticipate her reprising the role of Black Widow. However, with the potential recasting of roles—like Robert Downey Jr. stepping into Doctor Doom—there’s exciting speculation that Johansson could embody an entirely different character. The buzz around original Avengers morphing into antagonistic roles creates the possibility for her to explore a darker facet of Natasha or even a new character.

Film Title

Year

Character

Iron Man 2

2010

Natasha Romanoff

The Avengers

2012

Natasha Romanoff

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

2014

Natasha Romanoff

Avengers: Age of Ultron

2015

Natasha Romanoff

Captain America: Civil War

2016

Natasha Romanoff

Thor: Ragnarok

2017

Natasha Romanoff

Avengers: Infinity War

2018

Natasha Romanoff

Captain Marvel

2019

Natasha Romanoff

Avengers: Endgame

2019

Natasha Romanoff

Black Widow

2021

Natasha Romanoff

Thunderbolts*

2025

Executive Producer

This opens intriguing avenues for Johansson to potentially portray a morally complex character never seen before in the MCU, possibly even aligning her with notorious figures like Doctor Doom. As we approach the release of Avengers: Doomsday, anticipation builds, and the potential involvement of Scarlett Johansson is a thrilling prospect for fans everywhere.

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