Yelena Belova Becomes New Avengers Leader in Thunderbolts* and Honors Black Widow’s Legacy

🚨 Caution! This article discloses SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*. The story of Thunderbolts* provides a fitting tribute to Yelena Belova, honoring her late sister in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow. It’s worth noting that the original Avengers hold significant influence within the franchise, gracing many of its top-tier films. Although Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow didn’t receive a solo movie until after her demise in Avengers: Endgame, the prequel film introduced several characters who would later play crucial roles in the MCU. The ensemble cast of Thunderbolts* underscores this point.

In the film “Black Widow,” characters Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and David Harbour’s Red Guardian embark on an intriguing journey that elevates their standing among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s vast cast. This transformation also paves the way for Yelena to memorialize her late sister in a meaningful manner, which could be further developed in a potential “Thunderbolts” sequel.

*Thunderbolts is not an actual movie but it’s a Marvel Comics team that could potentially appear in future MCU films.

Yelena Belova Was Directionless At The Start Of Thunderbolts*

The MCU Character Has Had A Rough Life

In a unique twist for an MCU movie, “Thunderbolts*” delves deeper than anticipated into themes such as mental health, depression, and self-discovery. Unlike other films in the franchise that primarily focus on high-octane action sequences and Marvel’s signature humor, this film stands out by placing these heavier topics front and center. With Florence Pugh’s character, Yelena Belova, at the helm, she undergoes substantial growth throughout the storyline.

In the gritty depths of “Thunderbolts,” Yelena finds herself adrift after the passing of Natasha, as hinted in the post-credits scene of “Black Widow.” Her resentment initially fell upon Hawkeye, but when it was revealed that Clint Barton wasn’t responsible for her mentor’s demise in the Disney+ series “Hawkeye,” Yelena lost her motivation. To distract herself from mourning Natasha, Yelena throws herself into tasks assigned by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in “Thunderbolts.” haunting reminders of her troubled history in the Red Room and the deeds she was forced to perform continue to plague her throughout the film.

Florence Pugh’s Yelena Is Now The Leader Of The New Avengers

The Thunderbolts Become One Of The MCU’s Avengers Teams

During the movie, my affection for the Thunderbolts grew, leaving me yearning for a larger part for them within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). To my astonishment, it turned out that Valentina would present the group as The New Avengers to the public. That was quite a shock, as I had assumed the asterisk in the film meant their name would transform from Thunderbolts to the Dark Avengers, as seen in the comics. However, the MCU’s take on it proved to be more fitting for Yelena and her team.

Thunderbolts* Cast Member Character
Sebastian Stan James “Bucky” Barnes, A.K.A. The Winter Soldier
Florence Pugh Yelena Belova, A.K.A. Black Widow
Wyatt Russell John Walker, A.K.A. US Agent
David Harbour Alexei Shostakov, A.K.A. Red Guardian
Hannah John-Kamen Ava Starr, A.K.A. Ghost
Olga Kurylenko Antonia Dreykov, A.K.A. Taskmaster
Julia Louis-Dreyfus Contessa Valentina Allegra De Fontaine
Lewis Pullman Bob (Sentry/The Void)
Geraldine Viswanathan Mel

In the after-credits scene of “Thunderbolts,” there was a leap forward in time to find the team functioning as The New Avengers. Each character seemed fittingly matured and comfortable in their superhero personas, living life with a newfound ease. They’ve taken up residence in the old Avengers Tower, now owned by Valentina following Natasha’s actions in the film. Yelena, my comrade-in-arms, not only occupies the same team as Natasha once did but has been appointed The New Avengers’ commander – a tribute to her sister that brings a lump to my throat.

I’m Delighted That Yelena Is Honoring Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow By Following In Her Footsteps

Florence Pugh’s Marvel Hero Honors Her Sister’s Legacy In A Major Way

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Widow openly expressed remorse for her past as an assassin under the Red Room. She often spoke of the blood on her hands and how working for SHIELD and the Avengers was her means of making amends. At the outset of Thunderbolts, Yelena Belova conveyed to Valentina her desire for a more prominent position, aiming to honor her late sister’s legacy by embracing a superhero role.

After bonding with the Thunderbolts, Yelena acknowledges that they have provided her with a sense of belonging, much like Natasha Romanoff found with Captain America and the Avengers, led by Chris Evans. As the Thunderbolts continue their mission to rescue Bob from the Void, Yelena pays tribute to Natasha’s legacy as both a team leader and an Avenger. If she assumes the Black Widow mantle following the Thunderbolts’ exploits, her role could potentially surpass that of her predecessor.

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2025-05-05 15:49