Is Scarlett Johansson Really Done with the MCU? Marvel Writer Drops a Final Hint

Black Widow’s Time May Officially Be Over
Scarlett Johansson—who played the iconic Natasha Romanoff (aka Black Widow)—may have finally closed the chapter on her Marvel Cinematic Universe journey. After eight MCU appearances over more than a decade, the star has made it increasingly clear: she’s done.

And now, Marvel Studios writer Eric Pearson, best known for his work on Black Widow and the new film Thunderbolts, has echoed the same sentiment. While promoting Thunderbolts, Pearson told The Hollywood Reporter he “would be surprised” if Johansson ever returned to the franchise:

“I don’t think so. I feel like her end in Endgame and then her epilogue with our Black Widow prequel were so lovely.”

A Legacy That Ended with Grace
Johansson’s final performance came in 2021’s Black Widow, a film that served as both a tribute and an origin story, offering closure after Natasha’s emotional sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame. While the character met her tragic end in Endgame, the prequel film allowed fans to explore her backstory and her bond with her adoptive sister, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh).

Scarlett herself confirmed she’s stepped away from the role, stating:

“I’m done… Chapter is over. I did all that I had to do.”

The Fallout: Disney Lawsuit & Aftermath
One reason Johansson’s exit feels so final is the public legal battle she had with Disney following the release of Black Widow. The dispute centered around its dual release on Disney+ and in theaters, which allegedly violated her contract and impacted her earnings. Although the case was eventually settled, it left clear tension between the actress and the studio.

Despite this, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has previously praised her contributions and even hinted that Johansson would return behind the scenes in a producer role for a yet-unnamed MCU project. However, no official details have surfaced since that tease.

Could Black Widow Return in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars?
While Johansson’s return seems unlikely, in the Multiverse Saga, anything is possible. With Robert Downey Jr. returning in Avengers: Doomsday (rumored as a multiversal version of Doctor Doom), and whispers of Chris Evans joining the cast, fans are wondering—could the original Avengers team reunite as multiversal variants?

Imagine this:
In Avengers: Secret Wars, the new Avengers face twisted versions of their former heroes—Natasha, Tony, Steve—all from alternate universes. It could be Marvel’s ultimate swan song for the Infinity Saga heroes.

But such a reunion would only happen if Johansson is willing to return. As of now, that door seems closed—but never say never in the MCU.

What’s Next for Black Widow’s Legacy?
Although Natasha Romanoff’s story may be complete, her legacy continues through Yelena Belova, now a core figure in the Thunderbolts team. Marvel Studios appears to be handing the baton to Florence Pugh, who’s now front and center in the MCU’s evolving lineup.

And if Johansson is involved again, it may be behind the camera—possibly as a producer on a female-led Marvel project, a rumor that’s floated for years but has yet to be confirmed.

Final Thoughts: Is This Really the End?
Scarlett Johansson has delivered one of the MCU’s most grounded and beloved characters. Whether or not she returns, Natasha Romanoff’s story remains one of the most impactful arcs in Marvel history.

But with Marvel moving deeper into multiversal storytelling, the door is never fully shut. For now, though, fans may have to accept that Black Widow’s curtain call was in Endgame—and it was a beautiful one.