Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova in Thunderbolts*, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe could have had a different actress in the fan-favorite role, and that star has explained why she did not give life to the Black Widow replacement. Pugh’s debut as Yelena in 2021’s Black Widow was met with positive reception from critics and fans alike, making it hard to picture anyone else in the role, but another Oscar-nominated actress was reportedly Marvel’s first choice for Yelena Belova. Now, the reason she passed on the major role has been revealed.