Scarlett Johansson appeared visibly taken aback when she was questioned about the swirling rumors regarding her potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This speculation has ignited excitement among fans who are eager to see the beloved characters once more on screen.
Earlier this month, rumors surfaced indicating that Marvel Studios might be exploring ways to revive the original Avengers, including characters who met their demise, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson. When asked directly about this speculation, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige remarked simply, “We have to see.” Johansson, too, found herself in a similar uncertain position, neither confirming nor denying her involvement in any future projects.
During her appearance on the Today Show, where she discussed her new skincare line, Johansson seemed caught off guard when Al Roker inquired about the possibility of her character, Black Widow, making a comeback. “I feel like [Avengers: Endgame] is kind of the end, right?” Johansson responded thoughtfully. “Like, can you come back? Could it be like a vampire version of the character? Because I’m here for that. Like a zombie version, maybe.”
Amidst the laughter, Roker pressed further to see if Johansson had been approached about reprising her role. “You really ask the hard questions,” Johansson laughed. “I feel like I have to tell you but I actually don’t have to tell you. I do not… change the topic quickly.” This playful exchange hinted at the complexities of her situation while keeping the atmosphere light-hearted.
While the tone was undoubtedly joking, it’s important to note that Johansson neither confirmed nor denied the rumors surrounding her character’s potential return. Additionally, she artfully sidestepped other hosts who were tossing around terms like “multiverse,” which could open doors for Black Widow’s resurrection. Remember, in the very same film where Johansson’s character perished, Gamora came back through time travel. So, with the multiverse concept in play, who’s to say another version of Black Widow isn’t out there waiting to be summoned?
The prevailing theory is that if both Downey and Johansson were to return from the dead, it likely wouldn’t happen until the release of Avengers: Secret Wars. However, questions loom over whether that film will even remain the same if Kang is no longer the primary antagonist. Until we witness it for ourselves, the possibilities remain endless.
Check out the clip featuring Johansson below. The Marvel discussion kicks off around the 2:20 mark.
For more exciting io9 news, stay tuned to learn the release dates for upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek projects, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and television, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
