Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova inThunderbolts*, but theMarvel Cinematic Universecould have had a different actress in the fan-favorite role, and that star has explained why she did not give life to theBlack Widowreplacement. Pugh’s debut as Yelena in2021’sBlack Widowwas met with positive reception from critics and fans alike, making it hard to picture anyone else in the role, but anotherOscar-nominated actress was reportedly Marvel’s first choice for Yelena Belova. Now, the reason she passed on the major role has been revealed.
On theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast,Saoirse Ronan addressed rumors that she passed on playing the MCU’s Yelena Belova. The actress did not directly confirm that she was offered the role before herLittle Womenco-star Pugh, but Ronan was visibly surprised that the rumors were out there. According to the actress, while she thinks that there is nothing wrong with Marvel and thatMCU filmsare brilliant, Ronan does not see herself in a Marvel production. The actress would like to be part of a franchise like James Bond instead. Check out the full quote below:
“How did you hear about that?… I can’t see myself doing Marvel. I don’t know, I would prefer to do [James] Bond. There’s nothing wrong with it and I think that they’re brilliant films.”
What Saoirse Ronan’s Marvel Comments Mean
Ronan And Marvel’s Paths Are Unlikely To Cross
Yelena Belova is a major role. The character debuted in 2021’sBlack Widow, going on to appear in Disney+‘sHawkeyein that same year. TheMCU’s Black Widow replacementhas enormous potential, which could include multiple teams. The first of which will come in 2025, as Florence Pugh’s Yelena is one of the main characters of Marvel Studios’Thunderbolts*. Based on her connection to Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, Yelena also has a good chance of joining the Avengers as the MCU’s new Black Widow.
If Ronan truly passed on a role like Yelena Belova, then it is very hard to picture the actress choosing to join the franchise down the line. It was not a small role, with Yelena being an overarching player in the MCU. Ronan’s comment about not seeing herself in a Marvel project cements that the actress is highly unlikely to ever be part of a Marvel movie. Speaking toThe Mary Suein 2013,Ronan was enthusiastic about possibly playing the Scarlet WitchinAvengers: Age of Ultron, but it seems like she has since had a change of heart.
Our Take On Saoirse Ronan’s Marvel Comments
The MCU Could Use The Actress
I’m sad to see that Saoirse Ronan joining the MCU seems like a pipe dream. The Oscar-nominated actress has the kind of skills that would make her the perfect choice for a wide variety of characters that the MCU could introduce during the Multiverse Saga and beyond. That said, I was glad that she didn’t play Yelena Belova, as I believe Florence Pugh’s version of the character is on her way to becoming one of the best players in the MCU, eventually donning theBlack Widowtitle. Hopefully, Ronan will change her mind and take on another MCU role.
Black Widow
Cast
Black Widow: Released in 2021, Black Widow follows Natasha Romanoff as she faces a conspiracy linked to her past. Pursued relentlessly, Natasha must confront her history as a spy and navigate fractured relationships from her previous life before becoming part of the Avengers.
