WARNING: This article includes SPOILERS from Thunderbolts*the Thunderbolts* ending definitely set things into motion for Avengers: Doomsday.

In a new interview with Variety, Pugh was asked about the reveals of the first set of Avengers: Doomsday cast , including Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan, as she opened up about freaking out about seeing the original surprise announcement with the chairs. When elaborating on who else she got excited to see be in Avengers: Doomsday too, Pugh shared the following:

100%! Oh, god, there’s too many people in it [to choose]! Pedro Pascal, obviously, always and forever. Paul Rudd, yes, so funny. Genuinely, the idea that all of those people are going to be in the same movie is nutso sauce.

As Avengers: Doomsday is now in production, with Pugh set to return as Yelena, the trade also asked about her character now finally having that "front-facing role" that she had asked for in Thunderbolts*. Pugh shared the following about what she is most looking forward to getting to tackle with Yelena after the events of Thunderbolts*:

I hope that she’s happy now. I hope that she feels fulfilled, like she has purpose. And I hope that we get to see some of her light and her charm and her color again, because I loved playing that before.

What Florence Pugh's Avengers: Doomsday & Thunderbolts* Comments Mean For Yelena's MCU Future

One of the takeaways from Thunderbolts* is that even though it's a comic book movie, the themes of the MCU installment focuses heavily on mental health for all of the characters, including Yelena. From the many Easter eggs and references that were in Thunderbolts* to the huge action beats, the plot is very intimate for the characters as they find not only a way to work together, but the ability to start healing from their respective traumas. As Pugh mentions herself, Thunderbolts* was very much about Yelena finding purpose in life again and starting to see how she has been living in a very dark place.

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Thunderbolts* 2: Will It Happen, Which Cast Could Return And Everything We Know

With Thunderbolts* whipping up a storm among franchise fans, many may now be wondering if the latest MCU movie is gearing up for a sequel.

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That is why it will be incredibly exciting to see Yelena in the context of Avengers: Doomsday, especially after the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene, as her team is now established as the New Avengers. The next time fans see her in the MCU, some time will likely have ed since the events of Thunderbolts*, which may mean that audience will see Yelena even mentally stronger as she has this new role in her life. Given that Thunderbolts* saw Yelena learn how to work with a team, it will be even more fascinating to see when she gets in with the many characters confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday.

Our Take On Florence Pugh's Avengers: Doomsday & Thunderbolts* Comments

Thunderbolts with Yelena & Bob looking offscreen

With Pugh's commentary about Yelena's progression in Thunderbolts*, it will be fun to see her back in the MCU timeline in 2026 for Avengers: Doomsday. Given the huge variety of characters that are lined to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, it is bound to create some intriguing dynamics between Yelena and various players. But until then, the world can relive Yelena's adventures in Thunderbolts*, playing in theaters now.

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Thunderbolts*
Release Date
May 2, 2025
Runtime
127 minutes
Director
Jake Schreier
Writers
Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
Producers
Kevin Feige

Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories in order to survive and achieve their goals.

Main Genre
Action

MCU Movies

Source: Variety