Florence Pugh’s character Yelena Belova is expected to have prominent parts in three forthcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, according to recent reports. Following her introduction in 2021’s Black Widow, Yelena has become a key figure within Marvel Studios’ expanding roster, making significant appearances throughout the franchise.
Building on her successes in Disney+ series such as Marvel Zombies and leading the Thunderbolts (also known as The New Avengers film), Florence Pugh’s MCU roles appear destined to grow substantially. An insider recently revealed that Yelena will play major roles in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers: Secret Wars, with particular emphasis on the two Avengers installments.
Yelena’s Importance Across Upcoming MCU Films
Insider MyTimeToShineHello shared that Yelena’s involvement will be especially substantial in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, while her appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day will be more limited. As they wrote,
“Yelena will have a HUGE role in both ‘Avengers’ films and a few scenes in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'”
– MyTimeToShineHello, Insider
This aligns with expectations following the conclusion of Thunderbolts*, where Yelena emerges as the leader of the New Avengers. This team is set to face off against Sam Wilson’s core Avengers in upcoming storylines, suggesting Yelena’s expanding influence within the MCU’s evolving narrative. However, her brief role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day introduces new possibilities for crossover interactions.
The confirmed slate for the Multiverse Saga includes Spider-Man: Brand New Day, releasing July 31, 2026; Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026; and Avengers: Secret Wars set for December 17, 2027. These films are currently the only official MCU movies expected to carry forward the Multiverse storyline, although plans may still shift.
Potential Role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Among the three films, Yelena’s cameo in Spider-Man: Brand New Day stands out as the most unexpected. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man movies have typically maintained a relatively narrow focus, featuring limited crossovers beyond a couple of characters from the larger Marvel universe. Spider-Man 4, however, appears to be expanding this scope with multiple familiar heroes returning, including Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk.
Since Yelena now leads the New Avengers, a group based in New York City, her involvement in this Spider-Man installment could represent an effort to recruit Peter Parker. A short appearance aimed at persuading Spider-Man to join the New Avengers team would fit naturally within the story, providing an efficient way to integrate her character into the broader MCU network during this film.
Yelena’s Central Role in Avengers: Doomsday
Yelena’s part in Avengers: Doomsday is somewhat clearer, especially given the post-credits scene in Thunderbolts*. This scene featured Yelena and the New Avengers observing a multiversal spacecraft arriving in their system, which fans believe belongs to the Fantastic Four.
As the New Avengers have been confirmed as key players opposing the villain Doctor Doom in this film, it is almost certain Yelena will have a major presence throughout the story. Her leadership role within the New Avengers further cements her importance for this chapter of the MCU.
Yelena’s Continued Influence in Avengers: Secret Wars
Looking further ahead, Avengers: Secret Wars is poised to be a pivotal moment for Yelena Belova’s character, as the film is expected to redefine the MCU’s direction. She remains one of the young leading heroes Marvel Studios is building around for future narratives, positioning her as a foundational figure for upcoming story arcs.
Secret Wars is rumored to reboot key elements of the MCU continuity, retaining only certain characters and storylines from previous phases. Yelena appears to be among those selected to carry the torch forward, highlighting her growing significance within the studio’s overarching vision.
The Future of Florence Pugh’s MCU Roles
Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena Belova has quickly garnered positive attention, making the character a vital new addition to Marvel’s expanding universe. With critical roles confirmed in these next three films, her presence will likely influence multiple storylines and teams, especially as the MCU navigates its transition into the new Multiverse Saga era.
Her involvement in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars especially suggests that Yelena will be pivotal in shaping the franchise’s future, and her brief role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day might serve as an introduction to a wider collaborative role. Fans can expect to see how this evolving dynamic unfolds across the next several years.
Yelena will have a HUGE role in both Avengers films and a few scenes in Spider-Man Brand New Day pic.twitter.com/CwOFwacRYZ
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) September 25, 2025
