Scarlett Johansson is back in the MCU, amplifying a compelling Black Widow theory that appears increasingly likely. The last time we saw Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, was in her solo prequel film released in 2021. Despite this, her character is still deceased in the MCU after sacrificing herself for the Soul Stone in Avengers: Endgame. Given the circumstances surrounding her death, it can be presumed that her soul is trapped within the Soul Stone’s pocket dimension and is unreachable now that the Infinity Stones of Earth-616 are no more. Nonetheless, with the Multiverse Saga showcasing a multitude of variants across different universes, the possibility of Scarlett Johansson’s return to the MCU seems credible.

Currently, Yelena Belova is stepping into the role of the MCU’s premier assassin, following in the footsteps of her predecessor from the Red Room. Scheduled to play a key role in the upcoming 2025 film Thunderbolts*, Yelena is set to reconnect with her adoptive father, Alexei Shostakov, and form a new team consisting of the MCU’s reformed villains and antiheroes. This marks one of the pivotal points of Scarlett Johansson’s return to the franchise and could indicate an important progression in Belova’s journey within the MCU.

Yelena Officially Becoming Black Widow In Thunderbolts* Aligns Perfectly With Scarlett Johansson’s Involvement

Scarlett Johansson Should Guide The Transition To Yelena Belova

Despite embodying her late sister’s legacy, Yelena Belova has not yet fully embraced the Black Widow mantle. This is surprising considering her shared background in the Black Widow program and her role in Marvel Comics, where she took on the mantle herself. However, this scenario may shift in Thunderbolts*, particularly with Scarlett Johansson on board as an executive producer.

Thunderbolts* Will Feature Characters from Black Widow

Yelena Belova

Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian

Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Post-credits scene)

This isn’t Johansson’s first time acting as a producer for an MCU project, having previously produced and starred in 2021’s Black Widow. However, her character’s fate renders her unlikely to have a physical presence in Thunderbolts*. Instead, her involvement may relate to the various characters that first appeared in Black Widow with her well-established connection to the Black Widow legacy positioning her to facilitate Yelena Belova’s transition into the role.

Yelena’s Prior Appearance Suggested a Momentous Shift Towards Claiming the Black Widow Title

Hawkeye Paved the Way for Yelena’s Heroic Journey

Yelena was last featured in Hawkeye, where she was contracted by Eleanor Bishop to eliminate Clint Barton, whom she mistakenly believed killed her sister. Throughout the series, she pursued Barton until their climactic confrontation in the season finale, “So This is Christmas,“, where Hawkeye managed to convince her of his innocence, culminating in an emotional farewell as Yelena acknowledges her sister’s dedicated sacrifice.

Kevin Feige has previously mentioned that Yelena might not take up the Black Widow title, but prior intentions have changed in the MCU before.

This reconciliation with a former Avenger and the poignant closure with her sister may guide Yelena towards a more heroic trajectory, making her an ideal candidate for a heroic identity. With Yelena now facing the loss of Black Widow, there lies a significant opening within the MCU for her to fill. Furthermore, her endearing friendship with Kate Bishop potentially lays the groundwork for a more virtuous protection team, but Thunderbolts* appears to be the ideal opportunity for Yelena to assume the Black Widow mantle.

Why Thunderbolts* Is The Optimal Platform for Yelena to Become the Next Black Widow

The Mantle Could Provide Fundamental Purpose for Yelena

In light of the recent Thunderbolts* teaser trailer, the dynamics within the team appear initially tumultuous. Moreover, the film seems poised to explore themes related to mental well-being, as indicated by Yelena’s line: “There is something wrong with me. An emptiness. I’m just drifting and I don’t have purpose.” This journey is expected to conclude with the individuals grappling with their inner demons, primarily Yelena taking a path toward resolution and purpose for their futures in the MCU.

Everything We Know About Marvel’s Thunderbolts*: Cast, Release Date & More

With the development of the MCU’s Thunderbolts* movie well underway, here’s a compilation of all available information, including potential cast, storyline, and release details.

Embracing the Black Widow title and carrying on her sister’s legacy would perfectly facilitate Yelena Belova in finding direction. The role of Black Widow promises a sense of purpose that can guide her towards a more heroic journey, diverging from her time spent serving de Fontaine’s interests. If she emerges from the film unscathed—an increasingly precarious outcome with Sentry’s imminent involvement—this could elevate Belova from her morally ambiguous role within the Thunderbolts to succeeding Natasha Romanoff’s honorable tradition with the Avengers.