Florence Pugh first arrived on the scene as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Black Widow back in 2021. Now, she's leading the charge in the new film Thunderbolts, which is set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025. Directed by Jake Schreier, this latest Marvel installment puts Yelena front and center with a rag-tag team of anti-heroes that call themselves the "Thunderbolts." While the film is packed with action and humor, it also delves into deeper issues that resonate with audiences, offering a fresh perspective on Yelena's character.
Pugh recently spoke with Collider's Perri Nemiroff about the evolution of Yelena, expressing her desire to create a character that defies expectations. "One of my biggest things with Yelena is I wanted to create a woman that maybe we weren't expecting," Pugh told Nemiroff. She elaborated on her goal to add depth to Yelena, making her more well-rounded while maintaining her unique charm. "I didn't want her to be a silhouette. I wanted her to be unique and bizarre and excited for life, and have strange timing and be strangely comic," she added.
In Thunderbolts, Yelena is grappling with her past, struggling with feelings of depression and loneliness, which marks a stark contrast to her earlier appearances in the MCU. Pugh reflected on this transformation, stating, "I loved that I was allowed to play someone who was struggling and was suffering. That, to me, is what I'm grateful that I get to put my mark on where we're going with the MCU. We got to make a movie that feels textually different. It feels strange because it is. It's a movie that isn't about the usual baddies versus goodies. It's actually about something very common, and it hopefully has many different parts of it that we can all see ourselves in, and that's a very cool honor to have to be a part of a movie like this."
The film portrays Yelena's journey as she learns to navigate her new team of morally ambiguous characters. Following Natasha Romanoff's sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, the MCU has shifted its focus to Yelena as the next Black Widow. This new dynamic places Yelena in a position where she must adapt to working alongside characters with complex motivations.
Pugh explained the significance of Yelena's character arc, noting, "There's a huge difference between where she is now and the last time we saw her, even in Hawkeye." The actress emphasized the impact of losing her sister, stating, "Losing her sister really kneecaps her. It completely cuts off her savoring of life. She doesn't have purpose anymore, she doesn't know why she's here anymore, and I really think she's struggling to understand what she's doing here." This exploration of grief and trauma adds a layer of authenticity to Yelena's character, allowing audiences to connect with her struggles on a personal level.
Pugh also highlighted the importance of acknowledging Yelena's vulnerability, especially in light of Natasha's death. "If Thunderbolts had not included this element of Yelena's return, I wouldn't have believed it if she weren't [vulnerable]," she said. The film aims to depict how characters can be human and experience real emotions, an aspect that Pugh and her co-star David Harbour fought to incorporate into their characters' relationship. "We can't not have an argument about what's happened to us since Natasha died," Pugh insisted, emphasizing the need for authenticity in their interactions.
Yelena's journey in Thunderbolts is also intertwined with her relationship with Red Guardian, played by David Harbour. The film showcases their familial dynamic as they cope with their shared grief. Pugh expressed her desire for audiences to see how the MCU allows these characters to feel and evolve, stating, "You've got to allow them to feel. And also, the fans wouldn't have liked it if we didn't show that vulnerability."
The promotional tour for Thunderbolts has seen Pugh and her co-stars making appearances to generate excitement for the film. On April 30, 2025, Pugh was spotted outside the Good Morning America studios in Times Square, waving at fans and posing for photographers. This promotional effort comes ahead of the film's release, which has already garnered positive reviews.
As anticipation builds, early reviews for Thunderbolts have praised its fresh take on the superhero genre. Many critics have noted that the film feels like a return to form for the MCU, with Pugh's performance being a standout. "The sleep is little but the FRESH Rotten Tomatoes score has us vibrating," Pugh shared on social media, expressing her gratitude for the film's reception. TheWrap reviewer William Bibbiani remarked that there is "not a whole lot to complain about" with the movie, highlighting its focus on the struggles of lesser-known characters.
With Thunderbolts set to open in theaters on May 2, 2025, fans are eager to see how Yelena's character continues to evolve within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Pugh steps into the spotlight once again, audiences can expect a deeper exploration of themes such as grief, purpose, and the complexities of human relationships.
In this new chapter of the MCU, Pugh's portrayal of Yelena Belova promises to resonate with viewers, offering a nuanced perspective on what it means to be a superhero in a world filled with loss and uncertainty. As the Thunderbolts band together to confront their challenges, fans will undoubtedly be rooting for Yelena as she navigates her journey towards healing and self-discovery.
