Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova is back, and she’s brought a storm of change with her. Since we last saw her grappling with the weight of her Red Room past in “Black Widow,” Yelena’s arc in “Thunderbolts” promises a thrilling evolution.
Florence Pugh’s Take on Yelena Belova’s Character Development in Thunderbolts*
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans can expect to see a different Yelena Belova in Thunderbolts. Florence Pugh, who plays the fan-favorite super spy, recently teased how the character has changed since her last appearance in the MCU. Pugh made her MCU debut as Yelena Belova in 2021’s Black Widow before returning for a three-episode arc in the Disney+ series Hawkeye (also 2021). Yelena has not been seen since in the MCU, making her return in Thunderbolts highly anticipated within the fandom.
While speaking with Empire, which debuted a new image from the upcoming MCU entry, Pugh shared that Yelena is “a completely different person to the person that you’d assume she would be,” considering all the traumatic events she has witnessed. “She’s coming out of a few years of quite traumatic events. Where does that leave a person?” the actor pondered.
This suggests a more introspective and potentially volatile Yelena, grappling with the aftermath of her experiences. Her journey in Thunderbolts* promises to delve into the complexities of trauma and its impact on a character who has always operated on the fringes of morality.
The Evolution of Yelena Belova
From Black Widow to Hawkeye
Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena Belova began in 2021’s Black Widow, showcasing the character’s skills as a super spy and assassin. Her subsequent appearance in the Disney+ series Hawkeye further explored her personality and depth. We saw Yelena’s fierce loyalty to her adopted sister, Natasha Romanoff, but also her own ambitions and desires for revenge.
Trauma and Its Effects
Pugh revealed that Yelena has undergone significant changes since her last appearance, citing the traumatic events she has witnessed. This experience has left her questioning where a person goes after experiencing such traumatic events. It’s likely that Yelena’s time in Hawkeye, dealing with the loss of Natasha and confronting the machinations of the Red Room, has deeply impacted her psyche.
A New Era for Yelena
The Thunderbolts* film marks a new chapter in Yelena’s journey, as she joins a team of complex characters with their own backstories. This ensemble cast promises to bring fresh dynamics to the character, allowing for exciting new storylines and character development. Will Yelena find redemption and purpose within the team, or will her past continue to haunt her?
Character Development Across the Cast
John Walker’s Evolution
Wyatt Russell’s character, John Walker, has undergone significant development since his appearance in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Russell expressed excitement about the evolution of his character, citing the improvement in his costume and overall aesthetic.
“I’m gonna be honest, I don’t think I looked very cool [in TFATWS],” he admitted, explaining that the headgear he wore when Walker was Captain America and U.S. Agent was to blame. “[This time] they made my helmet not look like the end of a penis,” remarked Russell.
This tongue-in-cheek comment highlights the lighter tone Russell may be bringing to the character, suggesting a more confident and secure Walker in Thunderbolts*.
Ghost’s Growth
Hannah John-Kamen’s character, Ghost, has also experienced significant growth since her introduction in Ant-Man and the Wasp. John-Kamen hinted at the character’s new abilities, suggesting a more confident and powerful Ghost.
“With that [control], there’s a calm, and there’s a decisiveness, and there’s a powerful breath and beat in that. So yes, you’ll see a different Ghost,” she hinted.
Ghost’s increased control over her powers promises to make her a formidable force within the Thunderbolts* team, potentially pushing her into a leadership role.
The Thunderbolts Team
The ensemble cast includes Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, and many more. Each character brings their unique perspective and backstory to the team, creating a dynamic and complex dynamic. This diverse group of antiheroes and morally ambiguous individuals promises to create compelling interactions and conflicts within the film’s narrative.
Themes and Implications
Violence and Speech
The article touched on the complex issue of violence and speech, referencing the infamous Captain America Comics #1 and #275. The piece explored the artistic and ideological underpinnings of these stories, highlighting the ongoing debate about the role of violence in promoting free speech.
Power Dynamics
The Thunderbolts* team represents a microcosm of power dynamics, with each character wielding their own unique abilities and influence. This dynamic is likely to be explored in the film, raising questions about cooperation, conflict, and the nature of power. Will Yelena be able to navigate this complex web of relationships, or will her past traumas prevent her from finding her place within the team?
The MCU’s Exploration of Trauma
The Thunderbolts* film and its characters serve as a platform for exploring the complex and nuanced issue of trauma. Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena Belova and the ensemble cast’s experiences promise to delve into the psychological and emotional aftermath of traumatic events.
Practical Aspects and Speculation
The Thunderbolts Trailer
The article touched on the latest trailer for Thunderbolts*, which promises an action-packed and melodramatic ride. The trailer hinted at the team’s mission and biggest fears, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the film’s release.
Casting and Creative Decisions
The article highlighted the creative decisions behind the Thunderbolts cast, including the inclusion of Laurence Fishburne and Rachel Weisz reprising their roles as Bill Foster and Melina Vostokoff. These decisions promise to add depth and complexity to the film’s narrative. The return of these familiar faces suggests that Thunderbolts will explore the interconnectedness of the MCU’s vast cast of characters.
The Future of the MCU
The Thunderbolts film represents a significant milestone in the MCU’s Phase 5, promising to explore new themes and ideas. The article speculates about the implications of the film’s release, including its potential impact on the larger MCU narrative. Will Thunderbolts serve as a springboard for new storylines, introduce new characters, or even set the stage for future events in the MCU? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
Florence Pugh’s insights into Yelena Belova’s evolution since her last MCU appearance offer a compelling glimpse into the complex world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From grappling with the manipulations of the Red Room to navigating the aftermath of Natasha Romanoff’s death, Yelena’s journey is one of profound transformation. Pugh’s acknowledgment of Yelena’s vulnerability and newfound sense of agency underscores the character’s growth beyond her assassin training. This transformation not only enriches Yelena’s individual arc but also speaks to the broader theme of redemption and self-discovery prevalent in the MCU. The implications of Yelena’s development extend far beyond “Thunderbolts.” As the MCU continues to explore its morally gray areas, Yelena’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that even those shaped by trauma and manipulation can find their own path to healing and purpose. Her presence in “Thunderbolts” promises to inject a potent dose of both vulnerability and ferocity, challenging preconceived notions about redemption and the nature of heroism. Will Yelena ultimately find solace and belonging within the fractured ranks of “Thunderbolts”? Or will her past continue to haunt her, forcing her to confront the shadows that linger within? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Yelena Belova is a force to be reckoned with, and her story is far from over.