Yelena Belova has quickly emerged as a fan-favorite character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Portrayed by the talented Florence Pugh, Yelena made her debut in the 2021 film Black Widow, establishing herself as the younger sister of Natasha Romanoff. Later that same year, she graced the screen again in the series Hawkeye, solidifying her popularity among the new heroes introduced in Phase 4.
With a striking Russian accent and a youthful, cheeky sense of humor, Yelena’s presence resonates with audiences. Her remarkable chemistry with both Black Widow and Kate Bishop enhances the depth of her character. Although many of her greatest moments are infused with humor, Pugh skillfully balances these with poignant emotional scenes, showcasing Yelena’s complexity. Thus, it stands to reason that Yelena is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming film Thunderbolts.
10
“It Was Real To Me, You Are My Mother!”
Black Widow
While known for her vibrant humor, Yelena demonstrates her emotional depth throughout her journey in the MCU. A particularly moving moment occurs in Black Widow, where Yelena learns from Natasha, Melina, and Red Guardian that their supposed family unit is merely a façade—an emotional lie crafted for their undercover mission. This revelation hits Yelena hard, as she had come to genuinely believe in their family bonds.
As the youngest member of the group, Yelena was sent to America at a nascent age, yearning for familial connection with Red Guardian, Natasha, and Melina. Her realization that they did not share her feelings is heart-wrenching and marks one of Yelena’s most impactful moments in the MCU.
9
“I Don’t Have Any Weapons On Me. Okay, I Take That Back, I Don’t Have Any Weapons Currently In My Hands. That’s A Lie Also.”
Hawkeye
Pugh’s timing in delivering Yelena’s comedic lines is unparalleled, as seen in Hawkeye. In one memorable scene, Yelena attempts to calm Kate Bishop amid a tense situation, humorously assuring her she isn’t a threat. The tension escalates when she vacillates about her weapons, first claiming she has none, then begrudgingly admitting that she’s lying when she remembers her wrist launchers.
This charming moment showcases Yelena’s awkward relationship with her own dangerous persona, making it one of the standout comedic deliveries of the series.
8
“Kate, This Is Not Cutlery.”
Hawkeye
The chemistry between Yelena Belova and Kate Bishop—played by Florence Pugh and Hailee Steinfeld—is genuine and delightful. During one of Yelena’s unexpected visits, she invites Kate to enjoy boxed macaroni and cheese, reigniting a sibling-like camaraderie. Yelena humorously critiques Kate’s lack of proper utensils, declaring, “Kate, this is not cutlery,” while waving a solitary piece of silverware.
This moment is a perfect blend of comedy and improvisation, showcasing the actresses’ chemistry and enhancing the series’ comedic landscape. The Hawkeye series was indeed enriched by Yelena’s character, exemplifying how vital she is to the overall comedic tone of the MCU.
7
“I’m Just Going To Kill Barton, Have Some Appetizers, And Then I’ll Go.”
Hawkeye
The plot takes an intriguing turn in the post-credits scene of Black Widow, where Yelena is recruited by Valentina Fontaine to eliminate Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye. This mission is layered with tension and emotional weight, as Yelena harbors resentment towards Clint for his perceived involvement in Natasha’s death.
Her cool demeanor during the mission reveals her confidence and skill, as she nonchalantly remarks about enjoying appetizers before her attempted assassination. This blend of humor and deadly intent accentuates Yelena’s character throughout the Hawkeye series, culminating in intense confrontations that blend comedy with serious repercussions.
6
“What Was That?!”
Hawkeye
During a compelled face-off in the elevator, Kate desperately tries to prevent Yelena from completing her mission. Their playful tussle takes a comedic turn when Kate slaps Yelena—an action that takes everyone, including the audience, by surprise. Yelena’s shocked disbelief, articulated in her incredulous “What was that?!”showcases her genuine astonishment and adds humor to the high-stakes moment.
This whimsical exchange highlights the dynamic between the two characters, balancing humor with action effortlessly.
5
“You Should Have Fought Harder”
Hawkeye
The culmination of tension between Yelena and Hawkeye leads to an emotionally charged confrontation. After battling through their differences, Yelena realizes that Clint fought her sister out of love and sacrifice. Her retort, “You should have fought harder,”reflects the depth of her feelings—an anguished acknowledgment of her sister’s fate.
While it may seem harsh at first glance, this response stems from a deep, unresolved love for Natasha, adding a profound layer to their sequence that contributes to Yelena’s emotional arc in the MCU.
4
“But, In All Honesty, If I Wanted To Kill You…”
Hawkeye
When Yelena first encounters Kate in her apartment, fears run high. However, she confidently reassures Kate of her intentions, stating that if she truly aimed to kill her, there would be no chance for Kate to react. This poignant line showcases Yelena’s confidence and serves as a reminder of her lethal skills, reinforcing the stakes woven throughout their interactions and Yelena’s charming aloofness.
3
“Woah… This Would Be A Cool Way To Die”
Black Widow
In a moment of dark humor during Black Widow, Yelena finds herself amid a chaotic prison escape. As an avalanche threatens to bury them, she reflects whimsically on the perilous situation, admitting that being crushed would be a “cool way to die.”This line encapsulates her morbid curiosity, further adding complexity and depth to her character. The subsequent consequences of the avalanche amplify the gravity of their actions, intertwining Yelena’s reckless nature with the harsh realities of her world.
2
“I’ve Never Had Control Of My Own Life Before, And Now I Do. I Want To Do Things.”
Black Widow
Yelena’s journey towards autonomy is starkly highlighted in Black Widow. After emerging from the mind control imposed by General Dreykov, she finally tastes freedom. She expresses a newfound desire to make her own choices, albeit uncertainly, as she navigates a world where her past as an assassin complicates her present. This pivotal moment resonates powerfully with those who seek to reclaim their agency after periods of oppression or control, illustrating a universal struggle for personal freedom.
1
“We’re Both Upside Down.”
Black Widow
This line serves as a nostalgic moment in Black Widow, reflecting Yelena and Natasha’s childhood as they playfully compete. The phrase resurfaces poignantly at the film’s conclusion when Natasha finds Yelena following a harrowing fall, reinforcing their bond once again. This recurring line symbolizes their unconventional sisterhood and the deep emotional ties they share, illustrating the theme of found family that resonates strongly throughout the MCU.