Will Scarlett Johansson Return As Black Widow? An Update

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Black Widow's Solo Film and its Implications

The 2021 release of the Black Widow standalone film offered a deeper look into Natasha Romanoff's backstory and provided some closure to her narrative. However, the film's impact on the possibility of her future appearances in the MCU is complex. The film served as a prequel, detailing events leading up to Avengers: Endgame, effectively concluding her main storyline within the established timeline.

• Box office performance: While commercially successful, Black Widow's box office numbers were somewhat lower than expectations for an MCU film, perhaps suggesting a reduced audience appetite for a solo Black Widow adventure after her Endgame demise.
• Critical reception: The film received mixed reviews. While praised for its action sequences and Johansson's performance, some critics felt the story was predictable or lacked the emotional impact of other MCU entries.
• Narrative conclusion: The film's ending, while emotionally resonant, largely felt definitive. Natasha's past is explored and concluded, leaving little narrative room for a direct continuation within the main MCU timeline. However, this doesn't entirely rule out other possibilities.

The Marvel Multiverse and the Potential for Alternate Versions of Black Widow

The introduction of the Marvel Multiverse opens exciting possibilities for the return of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow. The concept of alternate timelines and variant characters, heavily featured in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Loki, allows for the existence of multiple versions of the same character.

• What If...? implications: The What If...? animated series showcased alternate realities, demonstrating the potential for exploring different versions of Natasha Romanoff. A younger Natasha, or one who made different choices, could easily exist within the MCU multiverse.
• Multiverse saga possibilities: The current MCU phase is heavily focused on the multiverse saga. This creates numerous opportunities for introducing variant characters, potentially including a Black Widow variant played by Scarlett Johansson.
• Likelihood: Considering Marvel's current focus on the multiverse, the possibility of seeing an alternate Natasha Romanoff is higher than a direct return. The question is not if a variant could exist, but rather when and how Marvel chooses to introduce it.

Scarlett Johansson's Stance and Future MCU Involvement

Scarlett Johansson's public statements regarding her future with Marvel are crucial in assessing the likelihood of her return. While she has expressed gratitude for her time in the MCU, she has also been relatively tight-lipped about future projects. Any future MCU appearances would depend significantly on contract negotiations and her own career choices.

• Past contract disputes: Johansson's past legal dispute with Disney over compensation for Black Widow highlights the complexities of her relationship with the studio. This doesn't necessarily preclude future involvement, but it suggests potential roadblocks.
• Public opinion: Fan demand for Scarlett Johansson's return as Black Widow is immense, and this public pressure could influence Marvel's decisions. The passionate fan base has consistently demonstrated a desire to see her character again.
• Johansson's statements: Although she hasn’t definitively ruled out a return, she hasn’t actively promoted it either, suggesting that her focus may be shifting toward other projects.

The Possibility of Cameos or Voice Roles

Even without a significant leading role, alternative ways for Scarlett Johansson's return as Black Widow exist. A cameo appearance, perhaps in a post-credits scene, or even a voice role in an animated project, could satisfy fan demand without requiring a full-fledged return.

• Likelihood of cameo: A cameo is more likely than a full-fledged return, especially given the conclusion of her main storyline in the Black Widow film.
• Potential projects: A brief appearance in a future Avengers film, or a small role in a related animated project, are possibilities worthy of consideration.

Conclusion

The question of whether Scarlett Johansson will return as Black Widow is multifaceted. While the Black Widow film concluded her main narrative arc, the multiverse opens the door for alternate versions of the character. Scarlett Johansson's past contract negotiations and public statements leave her return uncertain, but the immense fan demand, and the inherent possibilities of the MCU multiverse, keep the door slightly ajar. While a full-fledged return might be unlikely, the possibility of cameos or voice roles remains. Keep an eye on Marvel announcements and continue the conversation – will Scarlett Johansson return as Black Widow? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!