While superheroes are often perceived as invincible, Scarlett Johansson wants to remind everyone that some heroes need their final sendoff. In an interview published in InStyle on Tuesday, the “Lost In Translation” star addressed the persistent questions surrounding her Marvel Cinematic Universe character Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow, who died on screen in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.” “Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. Okay?” she told the publication. For those keeping track, her character – a highly skilled assassin – was a fundamental part of the superhero team known as the Avengers, who gave her life to procure an Infinity Stone, which ultimately defeated the extraterrestrial supervillain Thanos and saved the universe. As Marvel lays the groundwork for the cinematic universe’s next phase – beginning with this summer’s “Fantastic Four: First Steps” – speculation has abounded about Natasha’s potential return to the franchise. Johansson is quick to quash that speculation.
Ad Feedback “They just don’t want to believe it. They’re like, ‘But she could come back!'” she told the publication. “Look, I think the balance of the entire universe is held in her hand.” She added: “We’re going to have to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment.” A refreshed Avengers lineup will debut with 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday,” a movie that will mark Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU but not as Iron Man, whom he has portrayed in nine films since 2008. He will be playing the villainous Dr. Doom.