Well, the thunder has clapped and the bolts have struck, Thunderbolts* has dropped, and Marvel’s fans are ablaze with glee. Amid explosions, sarcasm, and a worrying number of knives, one figure steals every frame: Yelena Belova. Sister to the late Natasha Romanoff and spiritual heir to the Red Room’s drama, she twirls into chaos with aplomb. She is not just a scene-stealer; she is a full-blown stage hijacker. And in the wings, Florence Pugh gives her depth that is practically Shakespearean.

Florence Pugh dives into Yelena Belova’s emotional journey, revealing grief, guilt, and growth beneath the combat gear and killer one-liners, something unusual to the Marvel narrative. 

In a recent interview with Variety, Florence Pugh opened up about her initial reaction regarding Marvel's take on Thunderbolts*, a film she describes as “about depression and grappling with shame.” Pugh praised Marvel Studios for daring to center such heavy themes in a summer blockbuster, saying, “Really, I was just so impressed that Marvel wanted to do this version of the movie.” She added, “The underlying message is that we need to be there for each other. We need to open up. We need to connect.”

The actor emphasized that despite Yelena Belova’s brutal exterior, the character’s strength lies in her capacity for love and empathy. “One of the things that I love about her is that she’s always trying to help the person who maybe is not as strong,” Pugh noted, referencing Yelena’s tenderness toward Kate Bishop and her rescue of a hamster named Fanny Longbottom. Even while battling her own trauma, Yelena is still there for her loved ones, and that is something Florence Pugh and fans alike love about Yelena Belova.

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This very journey of vulnerability and connection of Yelena is what makes her the emotional core of Thunderbolts*, and also an ob fan-favorite.

Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena Belova in Thunderbolts* has quickly earned her a fan-favorite status. Yelena’s wit, vulnerability, and emotional depth make her stand out in the MCU. Fans were particularly captivated by how Pugh showcased Yelena’s grief, especially in moments like mourning Natasha’s death. Thunderbolts* broke a decade-long Marvel release tradition, giving Pugh the opportunity to delve deeper into Yelena's emotional journey, which resonated deeply with audiences.

What sets Pugh apart is her ability to make Yelena feel deeply human, despite being an assassin. Her raw emotions, including moments of insecurity and love, connect with audiences. Pugh's portrayal brings a fresh complexity to the character, turning Yelena into more than just a sidekick, she is a symbol of strength, vulnerability, and personal growth. Fans love that emotional depth, which has quickly made her an iconic MCU character.

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Which moment do you think best captures Yelena Belova's emotional journey? Share your thoughts with us!