Get ready to see Yelena Belova like never before! Florence Pugh reveals the one bold request she made to define Yelena's new look as a New Avenger in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday—and it’s all about stripping away the glamour to reveal the raw, human side of the hero. But here's where it gets controversial: is this minimalist approach a refreshing change or a missed opportunity for a more iconic superhero design? Let’s dive in.
At its heart, Thunderbolts is Yelena Belova’s story—a gripping tale of transformation as the Black Widow emerges from loneliness and despair to become a co-leader of the New Avengers alongside Bucky Barnes. The film not only sets the stage for Avengers: Doomsday with its jaw-dropping “New Avengers” reveal but also teases what’s next in a post-credits scene directed by the Russo Brothers. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll notice Yelena’s look has been simplified, a design choice that’s here to stay.
In the newly released Art of Thunderbolts book (via The Direct), Pugh shares her vision for Yelena’s evolution. “She is now her own person and can choose what to do,” Pugh explains, emphasizing the character’s shift from assassin to hero. Her request? “Very stripped-back colors, no bright anything, and simple hair and makeup. But I insisted, ‘It’s Yelena—she can’t not have cool eyes.’”
And this is the part most people miss: Pugh’s approach isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s a deeper exploration of what it means to be a superhero. “When you think of superhero movies, you imagine these larger-than-life figures doing incredible things,” Pugh notes. “But Jake [Schreier] and Marvel are bravely diving into the inner workings of these characters—how they feel, what they endure. What does constant pressure do to your brain? Because at the end of the day, they’re human. Maybe their shiny lives aren’t so shiny after all.”
Yelena’s “cool eyes” and muted New Avengers uniform in the post-credits scene reflect her growth, though she still grapples with public perception of the team. This raises a thought-provoking question: Are superheroes truly understood by the world they protect?
Looking ahead, Pugh is set to reprise her role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, possibly to recruit the wall-crawler (though if Marvel sticks to the comics, Spidey might not join the team). One thing’s for sure: Yelena’s understated look isn’t likely to change, even as events unfold between Thunderbolts and Avengers: Doomsday. Speaking of which, mark your calendars—Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars following on December 17, 2027.
What do you think of Yelena’s minimalist design? Is it a bold statement or a missed opportunity for a more iconic look? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
