When to Return Scarlett Johansson to Marvel? Timing, Scenarios, and Smart Strategies (2025 Guide)

When to Return Scarlett Johansson to Marvel? (When to return scarlet jhonson into marvel)

Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, the original Black Widow, is one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most beloved and consequential heroes. Her journey—from a covert operative in Iron Man 2 to a central Avenger who chose ultimate sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame—has left fans asking a simple but complex question: when should Marvel bring her back, if at all? Or, to use the exact search phrasing people type, “when to return scarlet jhonson into marvel.”

This comprehensive guide weighs the narrative, business, and cultural factors that should determine the timing and form of any potential return. It synthesizes public statements, industry context, box office data, and fan discourse to outline sensible scenarios that honor Endgame while still giving Marvel room to delight audiences in future phases. It also clarifies what’s confirmed, what’s rumored, and what’s merely wishful thinking.

Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in a desolate landscape.

Why timing matters for Black Widow’s return

Natasha’s death is one of the MCU’s emotional cornerstones. Undoing or undermining that moment risks cheapening the payoff of a decade of storytelling. At the same time, Marvel has pivoted to multiverse storytelling, where respectful, limited returns can coexist with narrative finality. The timing has to balance three forces:

Story integrity: Preserve the weight of Natasha’s sacrifice in Endgame.
Audience sentiment: Deliver catharsis without eroding trust in MCU stakes.
Business impact: Use Scarlett Johansson’s star power surgically where it moves culture and the box office.

Where Scarlett Johansson stands now

Natasha’s arc is complete—by Scarlett’s own account

Scarlett Johansson has publicly said she’s “done” playing Black Widow and that Natasha’s journey reached a natural end with Endgame, which aligns with how the character’s death was handled on-screen [4]. That doesn’t mean she can’t appear in other ways (like voice work, flashbacks, or as a multiversal variant), but it sets a high bar for any return: it must feel meaningful and finite, not a routine reversal.

The 2021 lawsuit context (and resolution)

In 2021, Johansson sued Disney over Black Widow’s day-and-date release, arguing the streaming strategy impacted box office-related compensation. Disney denied wrongdoing and the parties later settled; soon after, executives publicly emphasized continuing collaboration with Johansson on future projects [1]. That history matters—less as an obstacle today and more as a reminder that any return would likely be carefully negotiated and framed.

Behind-the-scenes possibilities

Marvel leadership has indicated ongoing collaboration with Johansson after the lawsuit settlement, with reports she would produce a “top-secret” Marvel project [5]. Separate entertainment posts and fan chatter have tied Scarlett to producer or advisory roles, and some rumors have asserted she could be linked to upcoming team-up events, though Marvel has not confirmed such on-the-record. When considering timing, this suggests a staged approach: behind-the-scenes contributions first, on-camera work (if any) later and under special circumstances [5][2].

Close-up of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow with a determined look.

Market realities: demand, data, and fan appetite

Scarlett Johansson remains a significant box office draw. Black Widow’s pandemic-era performance is complicated to measure because of its hybrid release, but Disney announced the film generated $80 million domestic box office, $78 million international box office, and $60 million from Disney+ Premier Access during opening weekend—around $218 million globally when including PVOD revenue [3]. That figure illustrates Scarlett’s market impact even under atypical conditions.

Meanwhile, fan interest has never truly faded. Online discussions frequently revisit the question of how Natasha might return, from multiverse variants to flashbacks and prequels [8]. Other threads weigh Johansson’s own skepticism about returning and debate whether Marvel should let Endgame stand untouched [9]. This volume of conversation underscores an enduring demand—but also a divided audience: some fans crave one more moment, while others fear diluting Endgame’s legacy.

Canon-friendly ways to bring her back (without cheapening Endgame)

Any return must walk a tightrope: create joy and resonance while leaving Endgame’s sacrifice intact. These are the most defensible approaches.

1) A contained multiverse variant

The multiverse offers a way to see Scarlett on screen without reversing 616-Natasha’s death. A variant could appear in a single, high-impact set piece during a multiverse crisis, helping the team at a crucial moment before returning to her own branch. This honors Endgame by keeping 616-Natasha’s sacrifice sacrosanct while still giving fans closure—or a thrill—through a variant who shares her values.

Pros: High event value; preserves canon; lets Scarlett calibrate screen time.
Cons: Must be brief and reverent; overuse risks audience fatigue with “variants.”

2) Prequel flashbacks or mission vignettes

Johansson could return in short, self-contained sequences set before Endgame—think mission logs, Red Room flashbacks, or a letter-to-mentor frame. These could appear in stories centered on Yelena Belova or other street-level heroes. This plays to Natasha’s espionage roots and offers character texture without reopening the Soul Stone wound.

Pros: Zero canon disruption; supports legacy characters; great for limited screen days.
Cons: Lower event hype; requires sharp writing to feel essential, not “deleted scenes.”

3) Voice cameos or AI-assisted archive sequences

In-universe tech (recorded briefings, debrief logs) or animated/What If…?-style episodes can feature Scarlett’s voice for a surprise pop. Used once, it’s a tasteful nod; used often, it can feel perfunctory.

Pros: Minimal scheduling; can be deeply emotional if well-timed.
Cons: Risk of over-reliance; must be transparent and ethical about AI/likeness usage.

4) Mentor presence by proxy

Natasha’s influence can be felt without physical return: a letter, a will directive, a safe-house cache with her voiceover. The MCU can amplify her legacy while keeping her death final.

Pros: Honors Endgame; strengthens Yelena and allied heroes; flexible.
Cons: Less splashy; marketing value is limited compared to an on-camera appearance.

5) A non-Natasha role (cameo or villain) in a meta twist

It’s rare in the MCU, but not impossible, for an A-list alum to appear in a different role (especially across multiverse stories). A quick, playful cameo acknowledges her stature without tampering with Natasha.

Pros: Zero canon friction; audience delight if executed sparingly.
Cons: Confusion risk; must be framed clearly as a variant timeline or entirely separate character.

The calendar: best windows from 2025 to 2028

Marvel’s public slate has experienced frequent reshuffles post-2020, and rumored titles can swirl online without studio confirmation. Still, several windows make strategic sense for a carefully measured Johansson return.

Window A: Late 2025 to 2026—selective event teases and one-scene moments

Entertainment posts and social chatter have floated the idea of Scarlett appearing around a rumored Avengers event sometimes labeled “Avengers: Doomsday,” with onlookers speculating about a 2026 timeframe. None of this is confirmed by Marvel; it’s important to treat it as rumor until the studio says otherwise [6][2]. If a major crossover does land in that window, a single-scene variant cameo could deliver major crowd energy without rewriting Endgame.

Separately, projects tied to the street-level or espionage corner—where Yelena Belova operates—could incorporate prequel vignettes or brief voice cameos as connective tissue, keeping Natasha’s legacy alive while spotlighting the new generation [7].

Window B: The next Avengers-scale crossover (Secret Wars-era)

Large-scale multiverse crossovers are the cleanest place to re-introduce iconic characters for cathartic moments and goodbyes. If Marvel times a Scarlett appearance here, the move should be positioned as a singular, reverent return—an emotional bow on Natasha’s legacy rather than a new starting chapter. This “one last time” framing minimizes risk while maximizing cultural impact.

Window C: Post-crossover “reset” era

Following a multiverse climax, Marvel may recalibrate tone and rosters. If Johansson had any appetite for a behind-the-camera role—producing or even directing an espionage one-off or anthology—that would be the perfect era to make it official and public, drawing from reports of ongoing collaboration and producer potential [5]. An on-camera return would be less advisable here unless it’s strictly prequel-style or otherwise variant-limited.

Yelena Belova’s rise and how it guides timing

Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova has emerged as a leader of the grounded, espionage-flavored slice of the MCU—carrying forward the Black Widow legacy while forging her own identity. Official Marvel announcements have positioned Pugh prominently in ensemble storytelling, anchoring future spy-leaning arcs [7]. In that context, Natasha’s return—if any—should uplift Yelena’s trajectory, not overshadow it.

Three tasteful ways to integrate Natasha without disrupting Yelena’s momentum:

A one-mission flashback where Natasha’s decision or advice explains Yelena’s current leadership style.
A secure recording addressed to Yelena, revealed at a pivotal low point—designed to empower Yelena’s next move, not to redirect the spotlight.
A single multiverse encounter where a variant Natasha recognizes Yelena’s courage, offering closure before parting ways.

Business case: ROI versus risk

Scarlett Johansson is not only an Oscar-nominated actor but also one of modern cinema’s most bankable stars. A return would spark significant coverage and social media engagement, lift trailer view counts, and likely translate into box office lift—especially if framed as a once-only, can’t-miss moment. Black Widow’s hybrid-opening performance underscores her pull even in a disrupted marketplace [3].

But the risk is real: a poorly framed return could alienate fans who value Endgame’s stakes and reduce Marvel’s ability to make future sacrifices feel permanent. The solution is constraint. Limit the screen time, put the character’s legacy first, and use the appearance to strengthen current leads rather than replace them.

Scarlett Johansson poses at a glamorous event, showcasing her star power.

The recommendation: when Marvel should bring Scarlett Johansson back

If the goal is to honor Endgame, keep audience trust, and maximize impact, the optimal path is:

Before any on-camera return: quietly deepen behind-the-scenes collaboration where desired, such as producing or advising on espionage arcs. This aligns with past reports of a continued relationship after the 2021 resolution [5][1].
First on-camera reappearance: a single, emotionally potent moment during a major multiverse event—ideally a crossover on the scale of Secret Wars. Treat it as “one last bow,” not a reboot. The cameo should be variant-based, brief, and thematically about legacy and sacrifice.
Ongoing presence afterward: keep Natasha’s voice alive via letters, briefings, or flashback vignettes in Yelena-led stories. No resurrection of 616-Natasha; no frequent cameos that dull the impact.

This sequence preserves Endgame, delivers catharsis, and supports the new generation while giving Marvel the marketing win of a carefully curated Scarlett Johansson moment.

Scenario playbook (with pros, cons, and best use cases)

Option A: One-scene multiverse cameo during a crossover

Use case: A variant Natasha intervenes at a critical beat, perhaps to secure a victory that hinges on sacrifice, courage, or trust. She connects meaningfully with one or two heroes (Yelena, Hawkeye, or a young Avenger) and exits. No backdoor to an ongoing role.

Pros: Max emotional impact; minimal canon disruption.
Cons: Requires deft scripting and direction; must avoid feeling like fan service.

Option B: A prequel anthology chapter (short-form or special)

Use case: A “Black Widow Files” special presentation revisits a formative mission that illuminates how Natasha became the Avenger we met in The Avengers. The story includes breadcrumbs that inform current espionage plots without altering present-day continuity.

Pros: Zero impact on Endgame; deepens character lore.
Cons: Less box office upside; success hinges on craft and novelty.

Option C: Producer-led legacy torchpass

Use case: Johansson contributes off-camera to shape the tone and ethos of spy-thrillers in the MCU, guiding Yelena’s corner without necessarily appearing on-screen. This satisfies long-term fans by preserving authenticity while avoiding canon complications [5].

Pros: Scalable and low-risk; strengthens quality of espionage arcs.
Cons: Limited marketing bang compared to an on-screen return.

Option D: Voice-only remembrance in a Yelena-led episode

Use case: Yelena uncovers a final message from Natasha that resolves a personal dilemma. Keep it to one beat, one project.

Pros: Intimate; emotionally effective; easy to execute.
Cons: Must be rare to retain power.

Myths versus facts: what’s confirmed and what isn’t

Myth: Scarlett Johansson is officially returning in 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday.” Fact: Posts and discussions have circulated this claim, but Marvel has not confirmed such a project or Johansson’s involvement; treat as rumor [6][2].
Myth: Natasha’s death can be undone without consequence. Fact: Endgame’s Soul Stone trade is narratively foundational; any return should be variant-based or prequel-oriented to preserve stakes.
Fact: Johansson has said she’s done playing Black Widow, emphasizing that Natasha’s story is complete [4].
Fact: Scarlett sued Disney over Black Widow’s release strategy; Disney denied wrongdoing and the parties settled, after which executives signaled continued collaboration [1].
Fact: Black Widow’s opening “$218 million” figure widely cited at the time includes Disney+ Premier Access revenue reported by Disney, alongside theatrical grosses [3].

How to frame the return so it lands with audiences

Audience trust will depend on three storytelling principles:

Final means final for 616-Natasha. Any live-action reappearance should be a variant who returns to her own branch—or a flashback.
Make the scene do character work. If Natasha appears, the scene should change another hero in a lasting way—especially Yelena, Hawkeye, or a next-gen Avenger.
Announce with restraint. Tease tone, not spoilers; emphasize legacy, not spectacle.

Signals to watch for in 2025–2026

Producer credits and development news featuring Johansson’s name in espionage-forward projects—indicating deeper behind-the-scenes collaboration [5].
Official Marvel announcements about crossover events, including confirmations that displace rumors and firm up timing. Avoid over-indexing on social media posters about unannounced titles [6].
Interviews where Johansson refines her stance—for example, openness to a single, meaningful farewell cameo versus a long-term return [4].

Putting it all together: the short answer

When to return Scarlett Johansson into Marvel? If it happens, the smartest time is during a major multiverse crossover—once, briefly, and for maximum emotional impact—followed by small, respectful echoes (a voice message here, a flashback there) that support Yelena and the next generation. Before then, lean on behind-the-scenes collaboration to keep the Black Widow ethos alive. Anything more risks unraveling what Endgame achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Scarlett Johansson officially returning to the MCU?

No official confirmation from Marvel currently exists about Johansson’s on-screen return. Posts and rumors circulate about potential appearances in future Avengers events, but these remain unconfirmed by the studio [6][2].

Did Scarlett Johansson say she was done playing Black Widow?

Yes. Johansson has publicly stated she’s “done” with the role and that Natasha’s arc completed with Endgame. That doesn’t preclude respectful, limited forms of return (e.g., a variant cameo or prequel flashback), but it sets a high standard for narrative justification [4].

Could Marvel bring back Natasha without breaking Endgame?

The cleanest paths are a multiverse variant that never overwrites 616-Natasha’s sacrifice, or pre-Endgame flashbacks. Both preserve Endgame’s emotional stakes while giving fans a moment with the character.

Is the “$218 million” opening weekend for Black Widow accurate?

That figure includes Disney’s reported Disney+ Premier Access revenue in addition to theatrical grosses during the opening frame. It was a hybrid release; the number is not purely theatrical [3].

What about the 2021 lawsuit—does it block her return?

The lawsuit was resolved, with Disney denying wrongdoing and the parties reaching a settlement. Public comments afterward pointed to continued collaboration, including potential producing work [1][5].

Is “Avengers: Doomsday” a real movie?

As of now, it’s a rumor circulating on social media; Marvel has not officially announced a project by that title. Treat any casting or date claims tied to it as unverified until the studio confirms [6][2].

How could Johansson return without overshadowing Yelena Belova?

Use limited, purposeful beats—like a single variant cameo, a flashback, or a recorded message—that strengthen Yelena’s arc. Avoid recurring returns that shift focus away from the new lead [7].

Would Johansson be open to returning in a different capacity?

Reports and executive comments have connected her to producing a “top-secret” Marvel project after the lawsuit settlement, signaling interest in behind-the-scenes roles even if she’s done as Natasha on-screen [5].

What’s the single best time for a Johansson cameo?

A major multiverse crossover (Secret Wars-scale) is ideal: one brief, emotionally resonant scene that honors Endgame and provides closure without reopening the story.

What should fans watch for next?

Look for official Marvel announcements about crossovers, producer credits involving Johansson, and new interviews refining her stance. Be cautious with social posts and rumor accounts absent studio confirmation [6][2].

References

[1] Variety (URL: https://variety.com/2021/film/news/scarlett-johansson-sues-disney-black-widow-1235036470/) – “Johansson sued Disney over Black Widow’s day-and-date release; Disney denied wrongdoing; parties later settled.”
[2] ScreenRant (Facebook) (URL: https://www.facebook.com/ScreenRant/posts/scarlett-johansson-recently-weighed-in-on-black-widows-death-in-the-mcu-and-i-ag/1101682951816071/) – “Post highlighting Johansson’s comments on Black Widow’s death and fan reactions.”
[3] Deadline (URL: https://deadline.com/2021/07/black-widow-box-office-opening-weekend-1234793834/) – “Disney reported Black Widow’s opening included $80M domestic, $78M international, and $60M Disney+ Premier Access—about $218M combined.”
[4] Variety (URL: https://variety.com/2023/film/news/scarlett-johansson-done-with-marvel-1235594837/) – “Johansson said she’s done with Marvel and that Natasha’s arc is complete.”
[5] The Hollywood Reporter (URL: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/scarlett-johansson-marvel-project-producer-1235049238/) – “Post-settlement, Johansson to collaborate on a top-secret Marvel project as a producer.”
[6] Awesome ITv (Facebook) (URL: https://www.facebook.com/awesomeitv/posts/scarlett-johansson-is-joining-the-cast-of-avengers-doomsday-while-shes-not-retur/1228441735990119/) – “Unconfirmed social post claiming Johansson joins a rumored Avengers: Doomsday.”
[7] Marvel.com (URL: https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/thunderbolts-cast-d23-expo) – “Official cast positioning for Thunderbolts-era ensemble, including Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova.”
[8] Reddit (r/Marvel) (URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/comments/p8hau2/how_could_black_widow_come_back_if_possible/) – “Fan discussion of potential narrative paths for a Black Widow return.”
[9] Reddit (r/marvelstudios) (URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelstudios/comments/1j8rjoh/scarlett_johansson_doubts_shell_return_for/) – “Thread highlighting skepticism about Johansson returning and community reactions.”