Scarlett Johansson made headlines earlier this month when she attended the Oscars, but it wasn’t just for her stunning red carpet look. The Oscar nominee also made waves with her recent interview with InStyle magazine, where she addressed her role as Natasha Romanoff (aka Black Widow) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
For those who haven’t seen Avengers: Endgame, be warned that this article contains major spoilers. In the 2019 film, Scarlett’s character sacrifices herself in order to obtain the Soul Stone and help defeat the villain Thanos. This emotional and heroic moment marked the end of Black Widow’s journey in the MCU, but many fans have continued to hope for her return in future titles.
However, Scarlett is making it clear that this will not be happening. In her interview with InStyle, she firmly stated, “Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. OK?” She went on to address the fans who refuse to believe this, saying, “They just don’t want to believe it. They’re like, ‘But she could come back!’ Look, I think the balance of the entire universe is held in her hand. We’re going to have to let her go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment.”
This statement from Scarlett may come as a disappointment to some fans, but it also speaks to the impact and importance of her character in the MCU. Black Widow may no longer be physically present, but her legacy and sacrifice will continue to be felt in future films.
It’s worth noting that Scarlett did reprise her role as Black Widow in a stand-alone film released in 2021. The film, also titled Black Widow, explores the origins of her character before she became an Avenger. However, its release was met with some controversy due to the ongoing Covid pandemic.
The movie industry was still grappling with the effects of the pandemic, and Black Widow was released simultaneously in cinemas and on the streaming platform Disney+. This meant that viewers had the option to pay extra to watch the film at home, rather than solely in theaters.
This release strategy sparked a lawsuit from Scarlett, who argued that it was a violation of her contract. According to her contract, Black Widow was supposed to have a theatrical release before being made available to stream. The case was eventually settled out of court, with Scarlett reportedly receiving more than $40 million from the Walt Disney Company.
In her interview with InStyle, Scarlett also opened up about her experience playing Black Widow and the impact the character has had on her life. She shared, “I have a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to play such a complex character. It has been an incredible journey and I feel like I’ve grown so much as an actor because of it.”
Scarlett’s portrayal of Black Widow has not only been a source of inspiration for fans, but it has also challenged the traditional portrayal of female characters in superhero films. She has brought depth, strength, and vulnerability to the character, making her a fan favorite and a role model for many.
As for her future in the MCU, Scarlett is content with how her character’s story ended. She stated, “I feel really satisfied with this film. It feels like a great way to go out for this chapter of my Marvel identity.”
While we may not see Scarlett as Black Widow in future Marvel films, she will continue to make her mark in the entertainment industry. She has proven her versatility as an actress, taking on a wide range of roles and delivering powerful performances.
In addition to her successful acting career, Scarlett is also a vocal advocate for various causes and has used her platform to speak out on important issues. Most recently, she called for more regulation on the use of artificial intelligence after her likeness was used in a fake campaign video for Kanye West’s presidential run.
Scarlett Johansson is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, and her talent, passion, and determination continue to inspire fans around the world. As we bid farewell to her iconic role as Black Widow, we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
