In the latest episode of Matthew Belloni’s The Town podcast, Deadline’s Justin Kroll revealed that Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova is set to be the leader of the MCU’s Thunderbolts.
Kroll also describes the film as “basically Marvel’s Suicide Squad,” while also noting that Yelena will lead a team that includes Wyatt Russell’s John Walker and Daniel Brühl’s Zemo. See Kroll’s full quote below:
Ever since Yelena’s first appearance in 2021’s Black Widow, Marvel fans didn’t have a hard time embracing the character’s hysterical yet badass persona. Yelena then returned to Disney+’s Hawkeye, which showcased an unseen side of her, uncovering how captivating and strong-willed she is, which undoubtedly qualifies her to be a leader.
If the Thunderbolts is indeed an MCU ripoff of DC’s Suicide Squad, then maybe Yelena would be the MCU’s Harley Quinn? Nonetheless, Suicide Squad has proven that it’s not always the heroes who dominate the box office, sometimes fans also worship the bad guys. Jake Schreier (Paper Towns) is confirmed to direct the film, and Black Widow’s Eric Pearson will write the screenplay. For now, Marvel Studios hasn’t yet announced the cast for Thunderbolts.
Stay Tuned for more updates about the Thunderbolts! Also read: She-Hulk: Attorney At Law’s Jameela Jamil on Her Character’s Future: “The Thunderbolts, There’s So Many Places that Titania Can Exist in the MCU.”
