Scarlett Johansson has spoken out about a joke made at her expense on Saturday Night Live
and also put to rest any lingering hopes that her Marvel character, Natasha Romanoff, might return.
The actress, known for her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently reflected on both topics in a candid interview.
Johansson Reacts to Colin Jost’s SNL Joke
The joke in question aired during Saturday Night Live’s annual “joke swap” segment between Colin Jost and Michael Che.
During the 2023 Christmas episode, Jost, who is married to Johansson, was put in an awkward position when he had to deliver a joke Che had written for him.
The joke made a suggestive comparison between Costco’s discontinued roast beef sandwich and Johansson’s anatomy.
Jost read the joke live on Weekend Update:
“Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from their menu. But I ain’t tripping. I’ve been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid.”
Johansson, who was watching the show from backstage, was reportedly stunned. Speaking about the moment in a recent interview, she didn’t hold back her thoughts.
“It was so vulgar,” she told InStyle. “I just can’t believe that they went there. I was like—it was so gross. It was really gross. And, like, old-school gross.”
Jost later addressed the joke during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, admitting that his wife was “genuinely shocked” by it. However, given the playful nature of SNL’s joke swap tradition, it appears that Johansson took the moment in stride—though she made it clear that she found it particularly crude.
Closing the Door on Black Widow’s Return
Beyond reacting to the SNL joke, Johansson also firmly stated that her days as Natasha Romanoff are over. The character, who sacrificed herself in Avengers: Endgame to retrieve the Soul Stone, has remained a fan favorite, with many Marvel enthusiasts hoping for a possible return.
Despite speculation that Marvel might find a way to revive Black Widow, Johansson set the record straight.
“Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. Okay?” she said.
She acknowledged that fans continue to hold out hope for her return, but she emphasized that it’s time to move on.
“They’re like, ‘But she could come back!’” she said. “Look, I think the balance of the entire universe is held in her hand. We’re going to have to let it go. She saved the world. Let her have her hero moment.”
Johansson’s final appearance as Natasha Romanoff came in Black Widow, a 2021 prequel that explored her character’s backstory. While the film added depth to her journey, it did not change her fate in the MCU’s main timeline.
Johansson’s Marvel Legacy
Johansson first appeared as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010) and quickly became a key figure in the MCU, starring in multiple Avengers films and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Over the years, her portrayal of the Russian spy-turned-hero earned widespread acclaim, making her one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
While her time in the MCU has come to an end, Johansson has continued to take on diverse roles in her career. She remains one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses, balancing major film projects with her family life alongside Jost and their children.
Moving Forward
Between the SNL controversy and the ongoing questions about her Marvel future, Johansson has remained in the spotlight. However, with her firm stance on Black Widow’s fate, it appears fans will have to accept that Natasha Romanoff’s story has officially concluded.
As for her reaction to Saturday Night Live’s joke swap, while she may not have been thrilled with the crude humor, she has proven time and time again that she can handle anything thrown her way—whether on screen or off.
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