Scarlett Johansson said that Black Widow's death in Avengers: Endgame didn't come as a surprise to her. Endgame premiered in 2019 as the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and an epic conclusion to a story that had been ongoing since Iron Man. The film received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the movie as a satisfying finale to the world that Marvel had created so far.

Johansson's character of master spy Natasha Romanoff has been in the MCU since nearly the beginning and emerged as a core member of the Avengers team. Considering Natasha's leading role in each Avengers film, fans were shocked by her death in Endgame. After realizing the importance of retrieving the Infinity Stones, Natasha and her teammate Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, journey to the planet Vormir to bring back the Soul Stone; after a brief struggle with Clint, Natasha sacrifices herself so that he is able to retrieve the Soul Stone.

Related: Black Widow Is A Weird Choice To Start Marvel Phase 4

While many fans didn't expect Natasha's death, Digital Spy reports that Scarlett Johansson knew Black Widow's fate, even prior to Avengers:  Endgame. Johansson confirms that producer Kevin Feige phoned her to let her know what would happen to Natasha before Infinity War had even started shooting, although she isn't sure if any of the other cast members were privy to such information. According to Johansson, Feige said that there would have to be "big sacrifices and big losses." Yet while Johansson says it was definitely a "bittersweet" moment, Natasha's sacrifice closely aligned with her character and "made sense."

death black widow

Although Natasha made the ultimate sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, this isn't the last time fans will be able to see her on the silver screen. The solo Black Widow film is currently scheduled for release on November 22, and will kick off Phase 4 of the MCU. That being said, Black Widow will focus on Natasha's life after Captain America: Civil War takes place, with trailers confirming that Taskmaster will play a central part in this story.

Even if Natasha's death in Avengers: Endgame was a disappointing moment for many, she's left her mark on the MCU in a way that few others have been able to. Johansson's portrayal of Natasha not only won fans over but showed viewers a different, more vulnerable side to Black Widow. Above all, Natasha Romanoff may be gone, but she isn't forgotten; instead, she will continue to be remembered in the MCU as a spy, an assassin—but, most importantly, a hero.

Next: Why Mulan Went To Disney+, Not Black Widow

Source: Digital Spy

Key Release Dates