The film Thunderbolts* unveils some of the darkest aspects of its key characters’ pasts, particularly emphasizing Yelena Belova’s harrowing experiences within the Red Room program. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) epitomizes a vast interconnected narrative featuring numerous characters. However, the backstory of many side characters, often introduced in ensemble pieces, tends to remain underexplored for considerable periods. This was especially true for various members of The New Avengers as presented in the Thunderbolts* film. Nevertheless, witnessing the trauma within Yelena’s past brings to light another character whose backstory becomes even more poignant in comparison.
The Red Room: An Unforgiving Training Ground
Yelena Belova’s early childhood was marked by a grim transition as she was recruited at a tender age to serve as an operative for her government. Together with an adopted family consisting of Natasha Romanoff, Alexei Shostakov, and Melina Vostokoff, Yelena was taken to America when she was just three years old. At the time, she had every reason to believe that this was her true family.
The Red Room program was meticulously designed to transform young girls into lethal assassins, with Yelena demonstrating exceptional skill in her training exercises. However, these brutal tests involved morally questionable scenarios, such as assembling a firearm rapidly or leading friends into dangerous traps. Ultimately, Yelena’s success often came at the expense of others, leading to devastating consequences, including injury or death for her peers.
Yelena’s Thunderbolts* Flashbacks: A Darker Shade to Melina’s Past
Melina Vostokoff: A Survivor of the Red Room’s Cruelties
Both Yelena and Natasha emerged from the Red Room program as Black Widows, but their adoptive mother, Melina Vostokoff, also has a profound connection to this dark legacy. Melina not only participated in the program but underwent its brutal regimen at least four times. While her experience may have differed due to its earlier execution, Melina’s unique role included developing the brainwashing methods that facilitated control over the Black Widows.
The Case for Melina’s Return to the MCU Following Thunderbolts*
The Need for a Family Reunion: Yelena’s Journey
An essential aspect of the Red Room program involved the sterilization of Black Widows, robbing them of the chance to bear children. Despite this, Melina spent years stationed with a fabricated family. Lacking the ability to have biological children, she created genuine bonds with her two daughters, only to relinquish them to the clutches of the Red Room. By the end of Black Widow, Melina appeared to attain some level of closure with her past life.
Notably, in a touching conclusion, Melina and Alexei share a kiss, indicating a rekindling of their connection. The events in Thunderbolts* illustrate that the entire family is grappling with the loss of Natasha, each navigating their paths. As Alexei and Melina make waves as new members of The New Avengers, it seems unlikely that Melina would remain oblivious to her former family’s public presence. It would be logical for a family reunion to unfold in the wake of Thunderbolts*, offering an opportunity for Melina, Yelena, and their shared family to confront their past traumas together and foster healing.