The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has no shortage of iconic heroes, but female superheroes are few and far between in comparison to their male counterparts. Among the few who have earned the admiration of fans are Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, and Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova. Both characters hold a special place in MCU history, but the love from fans seems to skew heavily in favor of Romanoff, with many even willing to sacrifice Yelena in the hopes of bringing back Johansson’s beloved character.
Florence Pugh, who portrays Yelena in the MCU, recently opened up about her reaction to this overwhelming fandom sentiment. In an exclusive interview on Shabaz Says’ Wheel of Questions, Pugh revealed her feelings on the matter, reflecting on the wild fan theories that had surfaced about her character.
“They Want Me to Die” — Pugh Reflects on the Fan-Theory Obsession
Since the release of Black Widow, fans have been fervently attached to both Natasha and Yelena, but Natasha, having a decade-long history in the MCU, holds a more substantial presence. Fans were so enamored with Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Romanoff that many were willing to part with Yelena in exchange for her return to the MCU.
“I think it’s really sweet, but they were like, ‘Oh, maybe it’s Yelena that dies and Natasha comes back.’ I was like, ‘Oh, they love Natasha so much. Like, they really want me to die so that she can come back!’” Pugh candidly admitted.
For fans of the MCU, this theory was born out of an enduring attachment to Romanoff, who sacrificed herself for the Soul Stone in Avengers: Endgame. While Yelena’s arrival in the 2021 film Black Widow was met with applause, it became clear that fans still longed for the return of Natasha, even at the cost of losing Yelena.
Yelena Belova: Florence Pugh’s Spin on a Much-Loved Character
Despite the fans’ deep attachment to Natasha, Florence Pugh expressed how grateful she is for the way fans embraced Yelena. In the same interview, Pugh shared how she felt stepping into the role of Yelena, especially considering the character’s origins in the comics.
“I was so, so nervous,” Pugh confessed. “Cuz I think when I stepped into the role, you know, you’re given a lot of power to create what you want to create with this character. But the character had already been, she was in comic books, so I know that people already had ideas of who she was.”
Pugh further revealed that Yelena’s original comic book persona was more overtly sexualized, with a different look that included exposing her midriff. She made a deliberate choice to move away from that, focusing instead on a more humorous, quirky version of the character.
Fans Love Yelena’s Quirky Charm: Pugh’s Take on the Character’s Evolution
While there were initial concerns about how fans might react to these changes, Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena quickly became a hit with audiences. The actress added her own unique spin, making the character more endearing and relatable, with her quirky, offbeat nature taking center stage.
“I’m just so grateful that everybody has accepted her and all her quirky-isms,” Pugh said, expressing her satisfaction with the positive reception.
What makes Yelena Belova stand out is undoubtedly her distinct personality, a testament to Pugh’s performance. Rather than being a mere carbon copy of her comic book counterpart, Pugh’s Yelena is an amusing, unpredictable force, blending humor and vulnerability in a way that fans continue to adore.
Yelena’s Enduring Appeal: Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of Pugh’s Performance
From her iconic “I’m not your best friend” moments to her hilarious yet poignant banter with Natasha, Yelena’s journey has been a breath of fresh air for the MCU. Florence Pugh’s ability to bring such depth and charm to the character has only enhanced the appeal of Yelena, securing her a place in the hearts of MCU fans.
It’s clear that while Natasha Romanoff will forever be a key figure in the MCU, Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova is quickly cementing her status as a beloved character in her own right. As Pugh continues to evolve in the role, fans can rest assured that there’s much more to come from this witty, fierce, and undeniably lovable hero.
As fans await more of Yelena’s adventures in upcoming MCU projects like Thunderbolts, there’s no denying that Florence Pugh’s portrayal has set the bar for what’s to come. While it’s unlikely that Yelena will ever replace Natasha as the MCU’s most iconic Black Widow, Pugh’s unique take on the character ensures that Yelena will remain a significant force in the MCU for years to come.