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
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
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
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?
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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