Florence Pugh’s Marvel Role Was Almost Given to Another Talented Actress
The 2021 film “Black Widow” has always struck me as somewhat perplexing. At last, the sole female Avenger gets her own standalone movie, but not before her character is killed off in “Avengers: Endgame”? This leads us to a prequel narrative set during the events of “Captain America: Civil War.” The story weaves in references to Widow’s past, hinting at enigmas from “Dreykov’s daughter” to that mysterious mission in Budapest. Fans often miss the point, mistaking hints of an offscreen history for an elaborate spin-off setup. However, after watching “Black Widow,” it became clear why it was delayed until Phase 4: it’s all about passing the baton from one Widow to another, transitioning from Natasha Romanoff, played by Scarlett Johansson, to her sister, Yelena Belova, brought to life by Florence Pugh.
While primarily recognized for her dramatic prowess, Pugh has proven she can shine in the Marvel universe, showcasing her charm and comedic timing in various projects including the Disney+ series “Hawkeye.” Notably, she’ll be leading the upcoming “Thunderbolts,” featuring a group of anti-heroes. Interestingly, Pugh wasn’t Marvel’s first pick for Yelena; the role was initially offered to the Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. According to entertainment reporter Justin Kroll, Ronan has expressed that the Marvel franchise isn’t quite her style, a sentiment she echoed in a recent interview where she stated, “I can’t see myself doing Marvel.”
The creative team at Marvel likely had Ronan in mind because of her performance in the 2011 film “Hanna,” directed by Joe Wright. In “Hanna,” Ronan portrays an adolescent super-soldier evading the CIA, a premise that closely mirrors both “Black Widow” and its titular character. Ironically, both actresses shared the screen in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of “Little Women,” where Ronan was initially considered for Laurie before Pugh ultimately took on that part as well.
Ronan’s connection to Marvel films doesn’t end with “Black Widow.” During the development of “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” she was thought to be a “prototype” for the character Wanda Maximoff, or the Scarlet Witch, as envisioned by writer-director Joss Whedon. Ultimately, the role went to Elizabeth Olsen, who made her mark in multiple Marvel films and series from 2014 through 2022 and possibly beyond.
In response to casting rumors in 2013, Ronan expressed her admiration for Whedon and excitement about potentially joining the Marvel universe, stating, “I love Joss and I love those films… I think it’s very different from what anyone else has done.” Yet, a decade later, her career trajectory has veered into the realm of smaller dramas and comedies, as she explores directing as well. The grueling schedule and commitment required for a Marvel contract may no longer align with her current aspirations.
As for Pugh, the fate of her character in “Thunderbolts” will likely determine her longevity within the Marvel franchise. Scheduled for a theatrical release on May 2, 2025, this film will be pivotal in defining her journey forward in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
