She remains a steadfast supporter, but it appears Scarlett Johansson has no immediate plans to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In fact, she recently requested the removal of an executive producer credit she received for Thunderbolts*.
"I asked to have my credit removed because I wasn't involved in the production," the Black Widow star revealed during a conversation with Thunderbolts* actor David Harbour for Interview Magazine. Speaking with Harbour—who reprises his Black Widow role as Red Guardian in the film—Johansson mentioned she hadn't seen the movie yet (the interview took place on Thunderbolts*'s release day). Harbour then noted she was listed as an executive producer, prompting her to clarify the situation.
Harbour joked, "Did you hate the film that much?" She responded quickly, "No, you're just hoping that's the story," before adding that she feels "proud" of everyone who worked on the project.
According to IMDB, Johansson is no longer credited as an executive producer on the film, which premiered early last month.
In a recent Deadline interview, the actress expressed that although she isn't interested in returning as an actor, she remains open to directing an MCU project.
"Even producing Black Widow and contributing to its story development, especially the dynamic between Natasha and Yelena," she explained. "I believe there's a way to preserve themes like human connection, family, and disappointment—ideas we explored in [Eleanor the Great]—while working within a massive cinematic universe. There are creative approaches to achieve that… So yes, absolutely, it could be an exciting opportunity."
Marvel's Thunderbolts* marketing campaign included an official name change to New Avengers shortly after release. The studio even extended the on-screen rivalry between Sam Wilson’s Avengers and this new superhero team into real-world promotions. Thunderbolts* sets the stage for Phase 6’s launch with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July.
