Highlights
- Rumors about Johansson and Downey Jr. returning to the MCU may have outpaced reality, according to Kevin Feige in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
- Feige confirmed that Johansson's project with Marvel is still happening, but did not discuss a return for Downey Jr. to the franchise.
- The future Marvel project with Johansson remains a mystery, with no official word on its timeline or details, potentially impacted by the recent SAG-AFTRA strike.
Avengers actors Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson are rumored to return to the MCU. However, Kevin Feige updated fans on whether two fan-favorite Marvel actors will return to the franchise.
Following a recent decrease in popularity surrounding the MCU franchise, Avengers fans have wondered what Marvel Studios will pull out of its hat to help its beloved universe rebound. Marvel Studios recently hosted their yearly creative retreat, where producers and executives discussed the franchise's future, including potential plans to replace Jonathan Majors' Kang.
Rumors spread like wildfire that the return of The Avengers actors Johansson and Downey Jr. was agreed upon at this meeting. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Feige revealed that fans' hopes may have outpaced reality.
Although Downey Jr. isn't confirmed to return to the franchise, Feige did confirm that Johansson's already-known project with Marvel Studios is still going ahead. However, Johansson previously confirmed that she's done performing as Black Widow and will instead be taking on a producing role in forthcoming Marvel Studios projects.
We did not discuss that at the retreat, is the truth. We're doing a project with Scarlett. I love Robert, he's a part of the family. But in terms of returning, we'll have to see.
Mystery still shrouds this future Marvel project with Johansson. Marvel has announced various future productions that span the next five years or so, but so far, released no official word on Johansson's project other than spare comments from Feige and Johansson. It's unclear what the timeline is for the production. The recent SAG-AFTRA strike affected virtually all projects, so it's safe to say that hers was also affected.
Downey Jr., who enjoyed great success this year through his role in Oppenheimer, might have no intention of returning to the MCU franchise. He's currently one of the favorites to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and may use his lauded performance as a springboard to take on more dramatic work. If true, this will surely disappoint fans, who were thoroughly entertained by his Tony Stark performances. He spent over a decade of his prime years in the Marvel franchise, so it shouldn't be controversial to say he's done enough.
Following unfortunate news regarding The Marvels approaching release date, fans have wondered if the MCU franchise is going into damage-control mode. The popularity of The Avengers was massive, and the franchise's efforts to maintain that level of fandom with its subsequent projects have not panned out. Simply going back to the original cast of The Avengers may backfire and be seen as a lazy cash grab by fans and critics alike. Marvel Studios has navigated rough waters before and has plenty of resources to utilize, so although it may not ever return to its peak popularity levels in theaters, fans can comfortably hope for plenty of quality projects in the future.
The Avengers films are available on Disney Plus.
Source: Entertainment Tonight
