Florence Pugh Reveals Yelena’s Biggest Change in Thunderbolts vs. Black Widow & Hawkeye

by

As I, Florence Pugh, prepare to rejoin the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I find myself reflecting on the evolution of my character, Yelena Belova, from her introduction in Black Widow to the upcoming Thunderbolts. Since making my debut during Phase 4, the Multiverse Saga has been instrumental in shaping Yelena as the new Black Widow. Being part of the Thunderbolts cast, alongside a mix of fresh and familiar Marvel faces, signifies a significant leap forward in Yelena’s character development since her initial appearance.

*Note: Thunderbolts is a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It was first introduced in 2004, but the exact lineup for the upcoming MCU film has not yet been officially confirmed.

In a recent conversation with ScreenRant’s Joe Deckelmeier, Florence Pugh talked about her role in ‘Thunderbolts’, and she was asked to outline the main changes for Yelena in the Phase 5 film compared to her appearances in ‘Black Widow’ and ‘Hawkeye’. Although ‘Thunderbolts’ isn’t a direct sequel to ‘Black Widow’, it will pay tribute to Yelena’s origins, which is why Pugh felt it was essential for her character to reveal a fresh angle while staying faithful to where she first originated. In her own words:

It appears that she has undergone a significant transformation since our previous encounter, and this change is noticeable even in the latest series, Hawkeye.

As a cinema enthusiast, what truly captivated me about the character in Black Widow was her infectious zest for life. She was brimming with enthusiasm as she embarked on her own journey, making her own decisions. From her delight over the pockets on her vest to her eagerness to adopt Fanny Longbottom, get a dog, and explore the world, it was clear that she was eager to embrace every moment.

However, losing her sister dealt a heavy blow, one that left her reeling. It felt as if a part of her purpose in life had been severed, leaving her questioning her reason for being here. I believe she’s grappling with finding her place and understanding her role in this world.

One aspect I found crucial for my character portrayal was depicting a softening of her light, a transition from the spirited girl we saw in Black Widow. It’s intriguing for me to bring out this transformation, to explore how grief, trauma, abandonment, and loss of passion manifest. It’s fascinating to delve into these complex emotions, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so.

What Florence Pugh’s Comments Mean For Yelena’s MCU Arc

Since Yelena has been absent from the MCU for a while, there could be quite a bit to learn about her story when she reappears in Thunderbolts. Based on Pugh’s remarks, it seems that Thunderbolts will highlight Yelena’s personal growth. It appears that her human qualities may be more fully explored in Thunderbolts compared to what was shown in Black Widow and Hawkeye.

The idea of characters seeking purpose while dealing with their flaws is a significant aspect of the Thunderbolts story, as Yelena herself exemplifies this. It’s likely that Yelena will become even more complex by the end of Thunderbolts, setting her up for larger roles in the MCU. Thus, it will be intriguing to observe how Yelena is influenced by the Thunderbolts storyline when she reappears in Avengers: Doomsday, which is the next upcoming MCU project featuring her.

Our Take On Florence Pugh’s Comments About Yelena’s MCU Story

It appears that, according to Pugh’s conversation with ScreenRant, Thunderbolts is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in Yelena’s Marvel Cinematic Universe storyline. Given Yelena’s popularity among fans since her introduction during the Multiverse Saga, it will be intriguing to follow her character development in Thunderbolts and beyond. With Thunderbolts set to conclude Phase 5, only time will reveal what impact this film will have on Yelena’s character progression.

Read More

2025-04-28 22:18