MCU fans torn as founding Avenger confirms they're never coming back

The hype is building up for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, and MCU fans are currently locked in a debate over whether a founding Avengers member even needs to come back.

With the Russo Brothers back behind the camera, and fan favourites like Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch returning on-screen, it’s safe to say the hype for the next big Marvel ensemble film is immeasurable.

Even so, we still don’t have a lot of information on the rest of the cast members, and who from the previous films will be coming back.

Considering filming is allegedly due to start in March, more rumours are coming out about cast members who may or may not be making an appearance.

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One such cast member is Scarlett Johansson, who portrayed Natasha Romanoff (“Black Widow”) in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films between 2010 and 2021.

“Natasha is dead. She is dead. She's dead. Okay?” she said in an interview with InStyle. Clearly, Johansson has heard Marvel fans’ cries for Nat’s return.

“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 it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment.”

Over on Reddit, fans seemed to agree with the actress, who felt Natasha’s story had come to a close.

“She's not wrong. Natasha's story is done, and it isn’t worth damaging other characters' arcs or overstuffing Doomsday/Secret Wars any more than they will already be,” wrote one comment.

Another comment wrote: “Glad to see her respecting the artistic value of her character’s death, I wish more actors would have that opinion.”

Others seemed to suggest that Romanoff could return in the future, because even though the character died in Avengers: Endgame, an alternative version of her could show up from the multiverse.

“They wouldn't bring back the same Natasha anyways,” wrote one comment. “If Scarlett did come back, it would be as an ‘evil’ version from one of the other universes that invade in Doomsday or Secret Wars.”

Only time will tell if Johansson is going to put on the Black Widow suit again for another outing, or if she’s truly retired from playing the character.

Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on 1st May, 2026.