Thunderbolts Has a Brutal Way of Reminding Fans Scarlett Johansson May Not Be Coming Back to MCU Like Robert Downey Jr.

For over a decade, Scarlett Johansson captivated audiences as Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Her journey, culminating in her sacrificial death in Avengers: Endgame, left fans with a bittersweet farewell.

However, with Robert Downey Jr.

‘s Tony Stark rumored to be making a return to the franchise, many have speculated whether Johansson could reprise her role as well.

Unfortunately, Thunderbolts might serve as a harsh reminder that she is unlikely to return in the same way.

The Legacy of Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson first appeared as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010), quickly becoming a fan-favorite character.

Her arc developed across multiple films, highlighting her transformation from a mysterious assassin to a heroic Avenger.

In 2021, Marvel Studios released Black Widow, a long-overdue solo film set before Endgame, giving fans one final glimpse into her story.

But since then, Johansson has made it clear that her time as Natasha Romanoff is over.

How Thunderbolts Reinforces Her Absence

Set to release in 2025, Thunderbolts is expected to be Marvel’s version of a Suicide Squad-style team-up film featuring a group of morally ambiguous antiheroes.

The confirmed lineup includes Yelena Belova (played by Florence Pugh), who was introduced in Black Widow as Natasha’s adoptive sister and potential successor.

With Yelena taking center stage, Thunderbolts may serve as an unspoken acknowledgment that Natasha’s legacy continues without Johansson’s return.

Furthermore, the film will feature characters such as Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), U.

S.

Agent (Wyatt Russell), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko)—all of whom have ties to Natasha’s past.

Their inclusion signals that Marvel is moving forward with a new generation of characters, reinforcing that Natasha’s story has reached its definitive end.

The Robert Downey Jr. Comparison

Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark also met his demise in Avengers: Endgame, yet there have been persistent rumors and reports about his possible return in some form.

Unlike Johansson, Downey Jr.

has expressed openness to revisiting his iconic role, potentially through flashbacks, artificial intelligence, or even the multiverse.

This contrast in approach has led to a sense of finality for Black Widow’s fate while keeping hope alive for Iron Man fans.

Johansson’s Continued Involvement with Marvel

Although she may not be returning as Black Widow, Johansson remains connected to the MCU in other ways.

She has taken on a producer role for Thunderbolts, showcasing her behind-the-scenes influence.

Additionally, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has praised her contributions, hinting that she could be involved in future projects, though not necessarily as an actress.

A Farewell, Not a Resurrection

For fans still holding out hope for Natasha Romanoff’s return, Thunderbolts may serve as a sobering reality check.

While characters in the MCU have found ways to defy death, Johansson’s exit appears to be permanent.

Instead of resurrecting her role, Marvel seems intent on passing the torch to a new generation.

Although her presence will be missed, her legacy remains intact.

With Florence Pugh’s Yelena carrying the mantle forward, the spirit of Black Widow continues to thrive—just not in the way fans may have hoped.

Ultimately, while Robert Downey Jr.

may find a way back into the MCU, Thunderbolts will remind audiences that Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff has truly taken her final bow.