Florence Pugh delivers a powerful and layered performance as Yelena in Thunderbolts*, marking a turning point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe by positioning her character at the narrative heart of the story and drawing considerable attention to Yelena’s complex emotional journey. While Thunderbolts* debuted recently in cinemas across the United States, audiences and critics are already noting how Florence Pugh’s Yelena stands apart—especially when compared to the portrayal and development Natasha Romanoff has received in previous Marvel projects.
This development comes as Thunderbolts* signals renewed excitement for the MCU, not just because of its post-credits surprises or ensemble cast, but because Florence Pugh’s Yelena is written with more grit and depth than her predecessor, allowing her to anchor the film in a way that feels fresh and compelling. The difference in character treatment is apparent throughout the film, as the MCU provides Florence Pugh with expanded space to explore Yelena’s guilt, shame, and the ramifications of her past as a Black Widow—elements that elevate her above more surface-level storytelling in earlier films.
The heart of Florence Pugh’s portrayal is her exploration of Yelena’s emotional burdens, primarily the trauma rooted in her actions as a child under the control of the Red Room. In one of the film’s most intense narrative threads, Yelena grapples with having been ordered to kill her own friend, a formative event that sets her on a search for redemption. Unlike Natasha, whose character arc often hinges on her suffering at the hands of the Red Room and is sometimes reduced to her inability to have children or fleeting references to her trauma, Yelena’s struggle is placed squarely at the center of Thunderbolts*. The result is a more nuanced depiction of internal conflict that invites viewers to empathize with Florence Pugh’s character on a much deeper level.
Whereas Natasha’s development tended to occur in retrospect—as evidenced by her arc getting additional attention only in Black Widow, well after her primary appearances—the emergence of Yelena as portrayed by Florence Pugh is deliberately timely and central. Her involvement in Thunderbolts* demonstrates that she is capable of carrying the emotional weight of an ensemble film, resonating strongly as she seeks both justice and self-acceptance. Her introspective moments, as well as interactions with other principal characters—such as Sentry—underscore the evolution the franchise has undergone in its approach to character building. Without Florence Pugh’s Yelena connecting with Sentry, the attempted resolutions in Thunderbolts* would have lacked the authenticity and emotional core that define the movie’s most significant developments.
Florence Pugh’s Yelena benefits not just from screen time but from a writing philosophy that favors depth over flash. In contrast, Natasha’s arc, particularly in Avengers: Age of Ultron, often seemed incomplete and, at times, awkwardly constructed. The subplot involving Bruce Banner was largely left unresolved and mocked in later films, highlighting inconsistencies in character development that Florence Pugh’s Yelena avoids by remaining grounded and relevant throughout Thunderbolts*.
Another critical distinction is the shift in how these characters are presented on screen. Historically, Natasha’s introduction in Iron Man 2 and her role in The Avengers drew attention for overt sexualization, sometimes at the expense of substantive exploration of her inner life. While those roles cemented her status as a formidable fighter, they rarely moved beyond physicality or surface traits. Florence Pugh’s Yelena, by contrast, emerges as a character whose complexities and familial bonds take precedence, not distracted by reductive narratives. Audiences are urged to engage with her humanity—the vulnerabilities, regrets, and aspirations that Florence Pugh brings to the fore in every scene.
It is important to note that these contrasts reflect choices in storytelling rather than performance ability. Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Natasha was compelling, and fan appreciation ultimately spurred efforts to deepen her character in later films such as Avengers: Endgame, where her sacrifice became a defining moment. However, the buildup was less organic, as much of Natasha’s character growth happened outside the main timeline or as an afterthought. This evolution underscores the reality that Natasha’s journey enabled Yelena, as interpreted by Florence Pugh, to step forward and lead the next phase of the MCU’s narrative arc. The transition is handled with respect for both characters but signals a definite shift in narrative focus and creative priorities.
Looking ahead, Florence Pugh’s embodiment of Yelena sets the stage for high-stakes storylines in upcoming Marvel installments. As hints about Doctor Doom and future crossover events begin to surface, audiences have a well-established sense of who Yelena is, her internal struggles, and what motivates her to act. The emotional authenticity Florence Pugh conveys ensures that viewers will remain invested, regardless of the scale or stakes of forthcoming challenges in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars.
The acclaim for Florence Pugh’s work in Thunderbolts* suggests the MCU is prioritizing character-driven stories and nuanced performances, fostering anticipation for what lies ahead. By moving beyond superficial traits and embracing complexity, Marvel positions Florence Pugh’s Yelena as not only a worthy successor to Natasha but as a protagonist in her own right, promising new avenues for storytelling and emotional resonance within an ever-expanding universe.
