Warning: This article contains spoilers for Hawkeye episode 6.
The future of Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin uncertain, most of its major characters survived the events of the series. Among them is Yelena, who could make appearances in some of Marvel’s movies and TV shows.
It’s been known for some time now that Black Widow wasn’t going to be the extent of the studio’s plans for Natasha Romanoff’s sister. Just as the movie’s post-credits scene clearly indicated would happen, Yelena showed up in Hawkeye to kill Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). Her efforts to avenge Natasha (Scarlett Johannsson) culminated in a showdown with Clint, who succeeded in talking her down. As a result of her conversation with Clint about her sister, Yelena abandoned her revenge-driven mission. However, that doesn’t mean the MCU is done with her. Now that Yelena has accepted that Hawkeye isn’t responsible for Black Widow’s death, she can move on and enter a new chapter of her life.
Yelena’s Hawkeye story ended with her walking away from Clint, but the show didn’t explain where she’ll go from here. As for where she’ll pop up next in the MCU, Marvel has no shortage of options when it comes to her next outing. Here are the most likely possibilities for Yelena’s MCU future after Hawkeye.
Where Did Yelena Go At The End Of Hawkeye?
If Yelena was being honest during her talk with Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) in Hawkeye episode 5, then the series has already offered some clues about where exactly she may have gone. According to her, she was excited about her visit to New York City and having an opportunity to see the sights. She may not lay down any roots, but Yelena remaining in the area for an extended period of time isn’t off the table. Yelena being in New York City – the focus of so many Marvel movies – should make it easier for her to have a presence in some of the MCU’s battles.
Could Yelena Get Her Own MCU Show Or Movie?
It’s worth wondering if Marvel is entertaining the notion of a solo project for Yelena. Though her character has received positive reception, Marvel may not have an interest in something as ambitious as a big-screen feature. A TV show, on the other hand, is a real possibility. Marvel has expressed a willingness to give Disney+ MCU shows to unexpected characters, including ones who are less important than characters on the level of Hawkeye and Scarlet Witch. If the studio has confidence in Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) and Echo (Maya Lopez) being able to hold their own shows, Marvel giving Yelena her own Disney+ series wouldn’t be that hard to believe. Perhaps the most important quality they’d be looking for is the show’s ability to stand out and be unique from the others. As a former Black Widow assassin, a show about her can dive deeper into the dark world of international espionage than the preceding Phase 4 shows.
Yelena Could Be Part Of Val’s Thunderbolts
Setting up Marvel’s rumored Thunderbolts movie. Yelena could make for a solid addition to the team’s roster.
Yelena As Natasha's Black Widow Replacement?
An alternative to Yelena being a Thunderbolt would be the character acting as a proper replacement for Natasha. Theoretically, she could embrace the “Black Widow” superhero codename and attempt to honor her sister’s legacy in the years to come. If that happens, Yelena can fill Natasha’s shoes in more ways than one. In the Infinity Saga, Natasha worked with SHIELD and helped protect the world as an Avenger. If Yelena becomes her successor, she too could have these responsibilities. Such a development could involve Yelena appearing in Avengers 5 as a member of the team. There’s no confirmation on who will be on the team in the franchise’s next entry, but Yelena certainly feels like a candidate for hip.
As the new Black Widow, Yelena could also be called on by Nick Fury to aid in the battle against the Skrulls in Secret Invasion. As someone who knows a lot about being a spy, she could offer much in the way of rooting out their enemies and discovering their plans. Given that Fury is her sister’s former boss, there’s a chance for the MCU to create an interesting dynamic between the two characters if Marvel adds Pugh to Secret Invasion’s cast.
Yelena And Kate Are The MCU's Most Exciting Team-Up
An existing MCU dynamic that Marvel may consider deepening is the one Hawkeye built between Yelena and Kate. The humorous interactions between the experienced Black Widow assassin and the young, aspiring superhero worked well for the show’s last two episodes. The focus in the show was of course Clint’s relationship with Kate, but the screen-time she shared with Pugh’s character proved that putting them together is an idea with a ton of potential. Marvel not uniting them at least one more time could be a huge missed opportunity. If Marvel does make Hawkeye season 2 (with or without Clint), that could be the groundwork Marvel needs for an exciting Yelena-Kate team-up. Plus, it feels unlikely that Marvel brought in Kate for a single-season show, it stands to reason that Marvel has other projects lined up for Kate. Depending on what they may be, Yelena could be along for the ride.
