Marvel Boss Responds To Rumor Of Robert Downey Jr. And Scarlett Johansson Returning For Another Avengers Movie

A recent report suggested that Marvel was considering the possibility of trying to get Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) to return for another Avengers movie. Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has responded to the rumor, saying it's news to him.

"I've literally not even seen that, is that a new rumor?" he said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "We did not discuss that. It's 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."

The project with Johansson that Feige is referring to is an unannounced Marvel project that she will produce for the entertainment giant.

Iron Man and Black Widow died in Avengers: Endgame. Resurrecting characters is nothing new in the comic book world thanks in part to the multiverse and timelines, so there could be a way for them to come back.

Perhaps most importantly here, though, is that Variety's report that broke the news said Marvel "hasn't yet committed to the idea." And even if Marvel does move ahead with this plan, costs might be an issue. Downey Jr.'s fee is known to be $20 million or more to appear in the MCU as Iron Man. Johansson, meanwhile, had a high-profile lawsuit against Disney/Marvel over the movie Black Widow (where her reported appearance fee of $20 million came to light).

In April this year, Johansson said she was "done" with Marvel. She added that the original Avengers film felt like a "sausage party" given how many more men there were than women.

The next Marvel movie is The Marvels, which is the 33rd MCU film. It's expected to have a slow start at the box office on par with DC's The Flash.