Summary
Scarlett Johansson might soon be brought back to life in theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)as Black Widow, even after her character received an emotional sendoff inAvengers: Endgame. Both theMCU’songoing Multiverse Saga and the upcomingSecret Warsstoryline hint at the same thing – Natasha Romanoff is coming back to the franchise, and it’s only a question of when and how.
Black Widow’s return seems inevitable, given how Marvel Studios has managed to keep all its Original SixAvengersactors in the loop. Case in point: Chris Evans’ flaming-hotcameo inDeadpoolandWolverine, or Robert Downey Jr.’s surprise comeback as Doctor Doom. However, Scarlett Johansson is expected to retain her original character but in an alternate timeline or universe, in a way that isn’t just fan service but also adds more weight to future Avengers story arcs.
Could Scarlett Johansson’s MCU Partnership Bring Back Black Widow?
Things between ScarJo and Marvel aren’t as shaky as they once appeared, particularly after her standalone film’s box-office struggles andthe Disney lawsuitthat followed. In fact, the actress now seems to have a strong and steady working relationship with the studio. To the surprise and excitement of many fans, Scarlett Johansson serves as one of the executive producers on theupcomingThunderboltsmovie, which features herBlack Widowco-stars Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Olga Kurylenko. While it may seem ambitious, the film could even feature a Natasha Romanoff cameo, perhaps as a flashback from Yelena’s perspective.
Looking beyond the immediate future, Scarlett Johansson is more likely to return to the MCU as Black Widow in larger, marquee projects likeAvengers: DoomsdayorAvengers: Secret Wars. If Marvel does bring her back, it likely won’t be a light, blink-and-missDeadpool-style cameo. Natasha’s death inEndgamewas one of the most emotional moments in the franchise, and Kevin Feige’s team is unlikely to undo something of this magnitude as a mere cash grab. Moreover, given the current multiversal chaos within the MCU, there’s likely a way to revive her without affecting past events, similar to the alternate Logan inDeadpool and Wolverine. Just a year ago, Johansson shared her thoughts on a potential MCU return inan interview onThe Today Show.
I think it might be… I think it was the end, right? I don’t know how you come back from that. […] She did, she did. She passed. […] I would have… it would be a miracle. It would be real Marvel miracle. It would be a marvel. But, you know, who knows? Eh… I’m not sure.
Adam Warlock’s Soul Stone Powers Could Revive Black Widow
To revive Black Widow, the writers could leverageAdam Warlock, played by Will Poulter inGuardians of the Galaxy 3. In Marvel Comics, Adam is often the bearer or guardian of the Soul Stone and even resides in the Soul World at times. By the end ofGotG 3, Adam joins the new Guardians team under Rocket Raccoon’s leadership. So, if the MCU finds a way to let Adam Warlock gain access to the Soul Stone or unlock the Soul World, it would provide a means to bring back people who sacrificed themselves forthe Soul Stone, such as Natasha.
However, this would be no easy feat for Adam Warlock; as the protector of the Soul Stone, he would face the cosmic repercussions that come with releasing a trapped soul from the realm. Each Infinity Stone holds immense power, and disturbing their balance could lead to severe consequences. Even if Warlock can control the Soul Stone or open the Soul World at his discretion, doing so would demand a cost equal to the greater good. Stakes of this height are definitely possible within the events leading up tothe MCU’s Secret Wars storyline.
To pull this off,DoomsdayandSecret Warsmust mirror theInfinity War-Endgamepattern, where all is lost in the first film, and a time travel or multiverse miracle occurs in the next, bringing everyone back together. If Marvel decides to introduce a different Natasha in this scenario, they could borrow her hardened-by-survival variant fromWhat If…?season 1, episode 8, “What If… Ultron Won?” Another possibility is for her to lead or be part of a force like S.H.I.E.L.D. or Thor Corps onthe MCU’s Battleworld, should that come to pass. Black Widow’s return inSecret Warswould also allow for a heartfelt reunion with herbest friend Clint Barton (Hawkeye)or her brief romantic interest Bruce Banner (Hulk).
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Simply put, Natasha Romanoff could return in a dire situation that demands her presence alongside the rest of the Original Six. Her soul, now preserved in a limbo-like state, could make a temporary return if the stakes are high enough. This would honor her heroic sacrifice and respect her original arc, while also providing a superb fan service moment whereall six Avengersreunite in the changed multiverse, possibly for a nostalgic circular camera shot from the 2012 film. It may sound ambitious, but it’s never wrong to dream big in theMarvel Cinematic Universe.
