It is weird to think that only a few years ago, we didn't even know who Yelena Belova was. Honestly, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was in a bit of a transition period, and everyone was mourning Natasha Romanoff. Then, 2021 hit. Florence Pugh walked onto the screen in Black Widow, talked about her "cool vest" with all the pockets, and basically stole the entire franchise in about two hours.
She isn't just "Black Widow 2.0." Not even close. Yelena is messier, funnier, and somehow more tragic than her sister ever was. If you're trying to track down every single one of the Yelena Belova movies and TV shows, you’ve probably noticed she doesn't just pop up randomly. Her appearances are actually a really tight, emotional arc about a girl who was never allowed to have a childhood and is now trying to figure out how to be a person while being a world-class assassin.
The Big Break: Black Widow (2021)
This is where it all started. While Black Widow was technically a prequel set between Civil War and Infinity War, for us, it was the debut of the year. Yelena is introduced as Natasha’s "little sister," but their reunion isn't exactly a warm hug. It’s a full-blown kitchen brawl in Budapest.
Pugh plays her with this jagged edge. You can tell she’s hurting. She spent years under the chemical mind control of the Red Room while Natasha was out being a global hero. The movie centers on them taking down General Dreykov, but the real heart is the fake family—Yelena, Natasha, Melina (Rachel Weisz), and Alexei (David Harbour)—sitting around a table trying to pretend they weren't all science experiments.
Pro tip: Don't skip the post-credits scene. It’s the bridge to her next big appearance. We see Yelena at Natasha’s grave, where she’s approached by the mysterious Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Val lies to her, saying Clint Barton (Hawkeye) killed Natasha. It sets her on a warpath that leads directly into Disney+.
Mac and Cheese and Assassination: Hawkeye (2021)
If you haven't watched the Hawkeye series on Disney+, you’re missing some of the best character work in the MCU. Yelena shows up halfway through, and her dynamic with Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) is pure gold.
One minute she’s trying to put a bullet in Clint Barton’s head, and the next, she’s breaking into Kate’s apartment to eat boxed macaroni and cheese and talk about sightseeing in New York. It’s hilarious, but it also shows Yelena’s loneliness. She doesn't have friends. She has targets and "work sisters."
The finale is heavy. She finally confronts Clint, and they have this gut-wrenching moment where they both realize how much they loved Natasha. It’s one of the few times we see the "lethal weapon" mask slip. It’s also where she officially stops being a villain-for-hire and starts becoming her own woman.
🔗 Read more: Michael Vey Book Series: Why This Shocking YA Saga Still Holds Up in 2026
Leading the Misfits: Thunderbolts* (2025)
By 2025, Yelena officially graduated to "main character" status. In Thunderbolts*, she’s the de facto leader—or at least the moral compass—of a team of losers and anti-heroes.
The movie focuses on her struggle with purpose. After the events of Hawkeye, she’s adrift. She joins up with Bucky Barnes, U.S. Agent, Ghost, and her "dad," Alexei. Interestingly, Florence Pugh actually did a lot of her own stunts for this one, including a massive jump off the Merdeka 118 building.
What makes her role here so different is the tone. It’s darker. She’s dealing with the trauma of being a tool for the government her whole life. Rumor has it she even insisted on changing her opening costume to a sweatsuit instead of a tactical suit just to show how depressed and "done" the character felt.
Into the Multiverse: Marvel Zombies (2025)
Late 2025 gave us a different side of Yelena—the animated, zombie-killing side. In the Marvel Zombies animated series, Florence Pugh returned to voice an alternate-universe version of the character.
🔗 Read more: Why The Byrds I Was So Much Older Then Line Still Breaks Our Brains
It’s a TV-MA show, so things get pretty grisly. In this reality, Yelena is a survivor in a world gone to hell. While the live-action Yelena is still very much alive, the Marvel Zombies version has a much more... permanent ending. It’s a wild ride that proves Yelena works in any medium, even when she's fighting off undead Avengers.
The Future: Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Beyond
As we head into 2026, the Yelena Belova movies and TV shows list is only growing. She is confirmed to be a major player in Avengers: Doomsday.
There’s a lot of chatter about where she fits in. Some reports suggest she’ll be leading a team called the "New Avengers" (the asterisk in Thunderbolts* was a huge hint), while others say she might actually cross paths with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Basically, Marvel is positioning her to be the face of the street-level heroes. She’s the connective tissue between the old guard and the new recruits.
Where to Watch Every Appearance
- Black Widow (2021): Movie (Disney+)
- Hawkeye (2021): TV Series, Episodes 4, 5, and 6 (Disney+)
- *Thunderbolts (2025):** Movie (Theaters/Disney+)
- Marvel Zombies (2025): Animated Series (Disney+)
- Avengers: Doomsday (2026): Upcoming Movie
The "White Widow" Misconception
A lot of fans call her the "White Widow" because of her comic book history and that iconic white suit from her first movie. While she hasn't officially taken that name in the movies yet, she's definitely moved out of Natasha's shadow. She isn't trying to be the next Black Widow; she’s trying to figure out who Yelena is when she isn't being told who to kill.
If you're looking to catch up, the best way to do it is chronologically. Start with Black Widow, move to the Hawkeye show, and then dive into Thunderbolts*. You’ll see the evolution from a brainwashed soldier to a sarcastic, dog-loving, slightly-deadly hero.
💡 You might also like: What Can I Watch Speak On: The Truth About Streaming Events and Live Talks
To get the most out of her story, pay attention to her wardrobe choices—like the vest or her choice of casual clothes—as they usually signal her growing independence from the Red Room's influence. Keep an eye on the 2026 release calendar, as her role in the upcoming Avengers films is expected to be her biggest yet.