If Chris Evans Is Back, Then Why Is Avengers: Doomsday Missing A Core MCU Hero?

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Marvel is kicking off the promotion for Avengers: Doomsday with weekly teasers, and the first one confirmed the return of Steve Rogers as Captain America. The second teaser featured Thor, and Marvel has since assured fans that Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth – three of their biggest stars – will all appear in the movie.

Fans will likely be thrilled to see the original Avengers team members back together, but it’s noticeable that one key hero is missing. Despite her important role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) won’t be appearing in Avengers: Doomsday.

Black Widow Is Missing From Marvel’s Multiversal Event

Before Chris Evans became Captain America and Chris Hemsworth wielded Thor’s hammer, Scarlett Johansson first appeared as Black Widow in Iron Man 2. This role offered a first glimpse of what the Avengers team would become, and Johansson continued to play Black Widow in eight Marvel Cinematic Universe films, concluding her journey with the movie Black Widow.

Although it seems clear why Black Widow isn’t in Avengers: Doomsday – she died in Avengers: Endgame – the reason is actually more complex. Doomsday explores the MCU multiverse, bringing together characters from the main MCU timeline with those from the X-Men and Fantastic Four universes (originally from Fox). There will likely be other unexpected characters from different universes appearing as well.

It’s clear Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom is also from another universe. This makes you wonder: why haven’t we seen a Black Widow from a different reality? Or, why couldn’t Scarlett Johansson play another character who simply looks like Black Widow, similar to what Robert Downey Jr. did?

Not including Scarlett Johansson weakens Doomsday. Giving heroes from the main Marvel universe, particularly Yelena Belova, another moment with their friend and sister would likely be very emotional for viewers. Alternatively, bringing Black Widow back as a villain, similar to Doctor Doom, would be a classic comic book twist that fans would enjoy.

Regardless of how things work out, there’s no story-based reason why Scarlett Johansson shouldn’t reprise her role in Doomsday. However, the problem might be something beyond what any script can resolve.

Why Could Black Widow Be Missing From Doomsday?

Scarlett Johansson’s final portrayal of Black Widow was complicated by the timing of the film’s release. The movie came out during the COVID-19 pandemic when many cinemas were closed. Disney responded by releasing Black Widow on its streaming service, Disney+, at the same time as its theatrical release, and with an extra charge to rent it. This was an attempt to reach a wider audience despite the theater closures.

Scarlett Johansson filed a lawsuit against Disney, arguing that releasing Black Widow simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ violated her contract. She claimed this dual release allowed Disney to avoid paying her potential bonuses, which were tied to the film’s box office performance.

The lawsuit was resolved, and Scarlett Johansson received a confidential payment. Although she and Disney publicly appeared amicable, she hasn’t worked with them since. While she’s listed as a producer on Thunderbolts, she’s stated she wasn’t involved in its production.

Scarlett Johansson might not be returning to Marvel Studios, either because they’re not interested in working with her after a recent legal dispute, or for some other unknown reason. This could explain why she hasn’t been included in the cast of Avengers: Doomsday.

Maybe Natasha Romanoff Will Return In Avengers: Doomsday?

Don’t expect Marvel to reveal the entire cast of Avengers: Doomsday right away. They understand the power of keeping surprises, and while some information will inevitably leak, they’ll do their best to keep most details under wraps for as long as possible.

As a huge Marvel fan, I’ve been hearing whispers that Scarlett Johansson might not be completely done with the MCU. While her character, Black Widow, seemingly had her moment, there’s a strong possibility she could reappear in Doomsday – maybe even as a different character entirely! Plus, it would make total sense for her to be in Avengers: Secret Wars. Marvel loves to build anticipation, and giving us everything at once in the first part of a two-part event just wouldn’t be very Marvel-like, would it?

Currently, Marvel seems to be keeping some major characters on the sidelines. Spider-Man (played by Tom Holland), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and the Guardians of the Galaxy team aren’t involved in this particular story, but they’ll probably appear in the Secret Wars movie. Scarlett Johansson might also return, assuming Marvel makes smart choices about how the story unfolds.

While not the strongest Avenger, Black Widow was crucial to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s success, and her death in Endgame resonated with audiences as much as Iron Man’s. If Doomsday and Secret Wars offer a final glimpse of these beloved characters, it would be a huge mistake to exclude Scarlett Johansson, given her significant contribution to the MCU.

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2026-01-10 23:49