Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow? A Legacy in the Marvel Universe
Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, is one of the most iconic performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Introduced in 2010’s Iron Man 2, Johansson transformed a supporting role into one of the MCU’s most beloved and layered characters. With a mix of deadly combat skills, dry wit, emotional vulnerability, and unwavering loyalty, Natasha Romanoff became the heart of the Avengers long before Endgame ever rolled its credits.
How Many Marvel Movies Has She Been In? Scarlett Johansson has appeared in nine Marvel films:
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- The Avengers (2012)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Black Widow (2021)
- Captain Marvel (2019, post-credits archive cameo)
Her solo film Black Widow (released posthumously for her character) explored Natasha’s origins, her complicated “family,” and her relationship with Yelena Belova, the woman now presumed to carry on her legacy.
Her Death in Avengers: Endgame
In one of Endgame’s most emotional moments, Natasha sacrifices herself on Vormir so Hawkeye can secure the Soul Stone. It was a tragic but heroic end for a woman who had spent much of her life seeking redemption. Her death underscored the selflessness at the core of her character and left fans devastated — especially since she never got a full funeral on-screen.
But in a multiverse where variants exist, is her story truly over?
Could She Return in the Multiverse?
With the multiverse fully in play in Phases 4–6, anything is possible. Robert Downey Jr. is rumored to return — not as Iron Man, but as a variant villain, Doctor Doom. Could Johansson return in a similar fashion?
She could portray a variant of Black Widow from another Earth, or even a completely different character from Marvel lore. Considering Marvel’s growing tendency to revisit fan-favorite characters through alternate timelines, Johansson’s return can’t be ruled out entirely.
Connections That Defined Her
Steve Rogers (Captain America): Natasha shared a strong friendship — and one memorable kiss — with Steve in Winter Soldier to avoid detection. While there wasn’t a romantic arc between them, their chemistry, trust, and emotional honesty made their bond deeply compelling.
Bruce Banner (The Hulk): Age of Ultron hinted at a romantic connection between Natasha and Bruce. Their scenes together highlighted her desire for something more human and grounded, though their romance was left unresolved after Bruce’s disappearance.
Clint Barton (Hawkeye): Possibly her deepest relationship, Natasha and Clint had years of shared history. Their constant references to Budapest became a running joke in the MCU. Black Widow finally revealed they fought side by side in Budapest during a mission to defect from the Red Room.
Has Yelena Taken Over?
Yes. Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova was introduced as Natasha’s adoptive sister in Black Widow, and she’s been embraced by fans as her spiritual successor. Yelena is confirmed to be part of the upcoming Thunderbolts team, set for release in 2025. Her mix of sarcasm, strength, and vulnerability makes her a worthy heir to the Black Widow mantle.
Fun Trivia About Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow
- First Appearance: She debuted in Iron Man 2, disguising herself as Tony Stark’s assistant.
- Combat Trained: Johansson trained extensively in mixed martial arts and weapons handling for the role.
- Was Almost Not Cast: Emily Blunt was originally cast but dropped out due to scheduling.
- Solo Film Delay: Fans waited over a decade before Black Widow got her solo film in 2021.
- Stunt Double: Heidi Moneymaker has been her stunt double in most Marvel films.
- Longest-Serving Female Avenger: She appeared in the MCU from 2010 to 2021 — 11 years!
- Voice Acting: Johansson voiced Natasha in some Marvel tie-in games and promotional content.
- Character’s Real Name: Natasha Romanoff is a pseudonym. Her real name is Natalia Alianovna Romanova.
- Deleted Kiss Scene: An alternate Endgame script had her and Bruce rekindle their romance.
- Cameoed in Theme Parks: Her likeness and voice have been used in Disney’s Avengers Campus attractions.
Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow left an indelible mark on the MCU. Whether she returns or not, her legacy lives on — through Yelena, through Clint, and through the countless fans who still quote, admire, and mourn her character. And if the multiverse has taught us anything, it’s this: in Marvel, no one’s ever truly gone.
