The star and director ofThunderboltsmade recent comments that have convinced me one character will be treated correctly, despite some specific worries I still have for their MCU future. Thestory ofThunderboltsis one that my excitement has only grown for. I was initially intrigued when the film was announced, though I remained somewhat skeptical of how Marvel Studios would handle a team-up movie that was notThe Avengers. However, my skepticism was changed for the better upon the announcement ofThunderbolts*cast of Marvel characters.
The confirmation that theupcoming Marvel moviewould contain characters like Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, John Walker, and Alexi Shostakov, to name but a few, was incredibly exciting. After all, these characters have been some of my personal favorites in Phases 4 and 5 of the franchise. That said, my excitement is still marred by a small amount of trepidation. While I am confident the2025 Marvel moviewill handle one of these characters well, in particular, after the director and star’s comments, I still worry slightly about their MCU future for one reason.
Several Comments Have Convinced Me Yelena Will Be Handled Well In Thunderbolts*
Yelena Will Essentially Be The Main Character Of Thunderbolts*
The character in question is Yelena Belova who, since her introduction inBlack Widow, has been one of my favorites in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After recentcomments from the MCU’sThunderboltsdirector, Jake Schreier, I am convinced that Yelena’s character will be a standout once more inThunderbolts.These comments saw Schreier address Yelena’s role in the film, from how she fits into the ensemble ofThunderbolts*to how her arc fits into the overall story of the upcoming movie:
“She’s front and center.Yelena is in a certain place at the beginning of the film, and how she finds her way out of that place, and who she finds herself out of that place with, is at the heart of the story.”
Naturally, these comments made me even more excited to see whatThunderboltshas in store for Yelena, not only to see where the character will go but also how Florence Pugh brings new depth to an already-great character. At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Sebastian Stan made similar comments to Schreier when promoting the film. When asked what stands out about the movie, Stan simply said"This one,“and pointed to Pugh standing next to him. If this is not proof thatThunderboltswill serve Yelena well, I am not sure what is.
Yelena’s Thunderbolts* Success May Stop A Reunion With Kate Bishop
I’m Still Worried About Yelena’s MCU Future Concerning One Key Relationship
Despite these comments overly convincing me thatThunderbolts*will give Yelena a great story, I still have one major worry about her MCU future. That worry centers around her connection with another character: Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop.Yelena and Kate struck up a strong rivalry-turned-friendship in 2021’sHawkeyewhich proved to be one of the more endearing elements of the Christmas-themed Marvel show, yet both characters are being set up for incredibly different futures in the sprawling MCU. Where Kate is concerned, she is one of thefounding members of the Young Avengers.
Young Avengers Cast: 16 Potential Members Already Set Up In The MCU
The MCU is getting closer to assembling a new generation of superheroes. These are the Young Avengers that have already been set up for Phase 4.
As such, Kate will undoubtedly be moved away from other MCU stories in favor of whatever Young Avengers project Marvel has planned. Then, there is Yelena. Evidently, Yelena will be the lead of Marvel’sThunderbolts*giving her a very different MCU future as part of this team. With these realities facing both characters and other big events in the MCU coming in the form of not onlyAvengers: Doomsday’s storybut that ofAvengers: Secret Warstoo, the possibility of a reunion between Yelena and Kate Bishop is growing increasingly slim.
I’m Disappointed Hawkeye’s Best Aspects May Not Be Capitalized On, But Kate & Yelena’s Future Still Looks Bright
As I have alluded to, I am sorely disappointed that Kate and Yelena’s relationship will likely not be developed. Many wished for the two to be reunited sooner rather than later afterHawkeyeended, but that proved not to be the case with the release ofThe Marvelsand the teases of Kate Bishop’s Young Avengers future. This reunion was so desired simply because of how well Yelena and Kate worked with one another. The badass, experienced, but no less funny personality of Yelena bounced off of Kate’s enthusiasm and naivety perfectly, making the two a joy to watch on screen together.
Although my disappointment that this dynamic may not continue to be explored is palpable, I cannot deny that the future still looks promising for both Kate and Yelena.The Marvelshas already teased how strong Kate’s chemistry could be with other characters, especially someone as equally naive and endearing as Kamala Khan. To further assuage my doubts,Thunderbolts*marketing material has proven how well Yelena will work with the other members of the team, from John Walker to Red Guardian. Overall, my disappointment is lessened considerably by the promise of the MCU’s future concerning both Kate and Yelena.
Thunderbolts*
Cast
Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories in order to survive and achieve their goals.
