Thunderbolts*

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At long last, Yelena Belova is stepping into the limelight with a significant role in “Thunderbolts”, marking her most prominent appearance since her introduction in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “The Black Widow”. The MCU has been accustomed to introducing legacy characters, and Yelena is no exception, having emerged as a key figure following Natasha Romanoff’s selfless act in “Avengers: Endgame”. As the potential successor to the Black Widow mantle, Yelena plays a pivotal role in the ongoing story of “Thunderbolts”.

Over various Marvel Cinematic Universe films and series, Yelena, portrayed by Pugh, has rapidly gained popularity within the expanding Avengers-centric series due to her intricate character. This popularity now sets the stage for her challenges as Yelena must adapt to the experience of collaborating with morally ambiguous characters through the Thunderbolts team. With this film marking the final chapter of Phase 5 before several Thunderbolts actors reappear in Avengers: Doomsday, viewers will soon discover how this fresh dynamic aligns with the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In a recent conversation, ScreenRant’s Joe Deckelmeier chatted with Florence Pugh about the future journey of her character Yelena, delving into her character’s emotional struggles and the way they’re addressed in ‘Thunderbolts’. During this discussion, Pugh additionally touched upon how existing relationships take on a fresh perspective even as Yelena navigates through a sea of new acquaintances.

Florence Pugh Explains How Thunderbolts* Honors Yelena’s Journey Since Black Widow

“She Doesn’t Have Purpose Anymore, She Doesn’t Know Why She’s Here Anymore…”

Despite Thunderbolts not being a Black Widow sequel, its Phase 5 finale delves deeper into Yelena’s origins. In an interview, Florence Pugh shared that she wanted to preserve certain aspects of her character while also uncovering fresh dimensions about her. According to Pugh, “There’s a significant gap between where she is now and the last time we encountered her, even in Hawkeye.

One thing that drew Pugh to Yelena was her infectious zest for life, a trait she relished sharing. After observing how Black Widow revealed her fascination with pockets on her vest and her eagerness to adopt Fanny Longbottom, Pugh emphasized that Yelena is eager to explore the world and seize every opportunity it offers. However, losing her sister leaves her deeply devastated, as if all joy has been taken away. She seems lost without a purpose, questioning her reason for being in this world. I believe she’s struggling to find her place again.

In Yelena’s adventures through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pugh emphasized the significance of portraying a character where the initial brightness is somewhat muted. We should witness that Yelena is no longer the enthusiastic girl she once was in Black Widow.

For Pugh, it’s truly a unique opportunity as an actor to portray change in a character. Questions like “What does grief look like?” or “What does trauma feel like?” become intriguing to explore. It’s fascinating to depict abandonment, loss of passion, and purpose. It was simply amazing to return to such a role and know that they had faith in me to bring these emotions to life.

Thunderbolts* Evolves Yelena & Red Guardian’s Family Dynamic In The Wake Of Their Grief

“We Can’t Not Have An Argument About What’s Happened To Us Since Natasha Died”

In the film, the Thunderbolts team members’ storyline showcased a deep emotional layer due to their portrayal of mental health issues. Particularly in depicting Yelena’s vulnerable aspects, Pugh emphasized that it was crucial for the movie to accurately reflect her ongoing struggle with Natasha’s demise.

In the absence of the part where Yelena reappears in Thunderbolts, it wouldn’t have seemed genuine to me if she hadn’t been shown as vulnerable. Furthermore, Pugh mentioned that “Natasha was the hero and role model for Yelena. She looked up to her like a big sister. Even when she was upset with her, her admiration never wavered.

In Pugh’s words, “It would have been frustrating if Natasha Romanoff, who finally rekindled a relationship in Black Widow, was not given the chance to experience it. As an actor, I believe it’s essential for these characters to display human emotions, and fans wouldn’t have appreciated it otherwise.

In reality, Pugh and her Black Widow co-star David Harbour, set to reprise his role as Red Guardian in Thunderbolts, emphasized that their relationship in the movie required significant attention. According to Pugh, it was essential to include a discussion about what had transpired between them since Natasha’s death, despite the desire to create a film that doesn’t necessitate watching all the preceding movies of these characters.

Pugh clarified that they didn’t want the viewers to perceive them as unintelligent in the scene, since from her perspective, if she were watching the movie but not acting in it, she would appreciate that argument. Moreover, she emphasized the significance of maintaining a dynamic dialogue, questioning their actions, and ensuring the inclusion of emotional depth or vulnerable moments.

Check out our other Thunderbolts* interviews with:

  • David Harbour (“Alexei Shostakov”) & Wyatt Russell (“John Walker”)
  • Lewis Pullman (“Bob”) & Hannah John-Kamen (“Ava Starr”)
  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Valentina Allegra de Fontaine”) & Geraldine Viswanathan (“Mel”)
  • Jake Schreier
  • Eric Pearson

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2025-05-01 02:12