Scarlett Johansson had a rather blunt response when asked if she’d ever return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The 38-year-old star joined the MMU as Natasha Romanoff – better known as Black Widow – back in 2010 with a role in Iron Man 2, and reprised the role for The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame

She even went on to have her own stand-alone Black Widow movie in 2021.

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The Black Widow star revealed her habit during an interview with Drew Barrymore. Credit: The Drew Barrymore Show

Black Widow, which also had Johansson as an executive producer, was – like most things Marvel touches – a Box Office success. Despite being released slap-bang in the middle of a global pandemic, it grossed $379 million worldwide and smashed pandemic Box Office records. It was also well-received by critics, with particular praise for Johansson’s performance as the titular superhero.

However, in a recent interview with fellow MCU star Gwyneth Paltrow, Johansson made it pretty clear that she’s not set for a return anytime soon.

The Black Widow star won't be making a return to the franchise. Credit: Marvel Cinematic UniverseThe Black Widow star won’t be making a return to the franchise. Credit: Marvel Cinematic Universe

“I’m done,” Johansson said. “Chapter is over. I did all that I had to do. Also coming back and playing a character again and again, over a decade of time, is such a unique experience.”

Fair enough.

When Johansson then asked Paltrow if she felt she was done with her role as Pepper Potts, she replied: “I think so. I mean, I didn’t die so they can always ask me.”

Johansson said: “I think you may come back at some point.”

“Really?” Paltrow responded. “A 64-year-old Pepper Potts? How great.”

Johansson then added: “One hundred percent, that’s happening. I can see it. They’re never gonna let you go. Break out that wig, baby.”

Johansson last featured in the MCU back in 2021. Credit: Marvel Cinematic UniverseJohansson last featured in the MCU back in 2021. Credit: Marvel Cinematic Universe

Despite saying she won’t be making a return, Johansson did recently reveal that she had originally been down to star in more movies within the MCU.

Speaking on the The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast, she said: “I had a very unique trajectory with Marvel because I was there from the from the beginning.

“Yes, when I signed on to to play Natasha Romanoff it was like, a lot of films.

“But there were movies that we didn’t actually end up making, and so I was able to kind of go back in and say, ‘OK, let’s look at this again. We made this contract before Marvel knew what they were doing, and let’s sort of figure out what the path of this character is going to be’.”