Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has always stood out, but it’s her character’s vulnerability that’s been a game-changer.
The 29-year-old actress, who first introduced the world to Yelena in Black Widow, says the evolution of her character, especially in Thunderbolts, is deeply personal. “It’s so important,” Florence told ScreenRant about Yelena’s emotional journey. “I wouldn’t have believed in her if she weren’t vulnerable.”
That vulnerability, she believes, is what makes Yelena so relatable and human. From being the younger sister figure to Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) to grappling with Natasha’s death, Yelena’s character arc has been a raw and honest portrayal of grief, loss, and growth. Florence is grateful that Marvel allowed her to explore that depth. She reflected on the bond between Yelena and Natasha, noting that despite all the anger and unresolved issues, Yelena never stopped loving her sister. “Even when she was angry at her, she never stopped loving her,” Florence said. “The idea that Natasha’s gone and she never got to have that relationship again? I would’ve been pissed off if I hadn’t been able to play that beat.”
In Thunderbolts, Florence’s Yelena shares a significant on-screen dynamic with David Harbour’s character, and she’s proud of how their relationship mirrors real life. According to Florence, their interactions reflect the tension and growth that come from shared experiences, particularly the grief of losing Natasha. “We can’t not argue about what’s happened since Natasha died,” Florence explained. “It’s important that we constantly evolve and show those moments of vulnerability.”
Florence also admitted that she deeply misses Scarlett on set, calling it “wild” that Black Widow was their first and last time together in the MCU. “My whole journey with Marvel was because of Scarlett trusting me,” Florence said. “So I always miss her presence. I always hope she’s proud of what we’re doing now.”
For Florence, the relationship between Yelena and Natasha is more than just on-screen drama. It’s about making the character real and human, with flaws, growth, and most importantly, emotional depth.
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