Black Widow Actor Florence Pugh: Film is “Raw” and “Painful”

Donald Edmonds |

Nov 22, 2019

In anticipation for the next Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, Black Widow co-star Florence Pugh talked about her experiences on set of the anticipated 2020 film.

From what we can gather with these comments, it looks to be a proper send-off to the character of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. While at the same time, it looks to usher in a new generation of superhero spy.

“I think we’ve made something very raw and very painful and very beautiful and I think people are going to be really surprised by the outcome of a big action film having that much heart. And I know lots of people will be emotional about her because her character had such a hard ending [in “Avengers: Endgame”], but it was special learning from her, and she’s been doing this for like 10 years in those films. For this to be her film was special. And I got to be there and see how she does stunts and lives it, and it’s so her.”

It’s hard to say whether the Black Widow film will have as much of an emotional kick to the gut as her scene in Avengers: Endgame did. In fact, seeing her on screen again serves only to be taking steps backward.

I’ve heard talk about having this movie made as far back as 2014, and the studio seems to be taking retroactive steps to do the character of Black Widow some justice in giving Scarlet Johansson her own solo film.

The Next Superspy

The Black Widow film’s setting is right after the events in Captain America: Civil War. It will cover events of Natasha Romanoff’s life while not being part of the Avengers, as a splinter cell team with Captain America, and Falcon. At some point in that timeline we will see Yelena Belova in the Red Room, supposedly in training to eventually take over the role of Black Widow.

In the comics, Belova was originally sent to kill Romanoff. She had a brief introduction in Inhumans Vol. 2 #5 in March 1999. Her eventual full intro was in the Marvel Knights mini-series Black Widow.

Shortly after she had a three-issue miniseries in the Marvel MAX publication. In the MAX series, it explored in flashback her story of becoming the second Black Widow, preceding the events that lead to her appearance in Inhumans.

The Return of Familiar Faces

In the film, it looks like three characters will carry the title of Black Widow. We will see Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff and Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova carry the title. The film will also have Rachel Weisz play the role of Melina, who also carries the title of Black Widow.

Black Widow will also feature David Harbor as Red Guardian/Alexei Shostakov and Olatunde Alateju Olaolorun Fagbenle as S.H.I.E.L.D Agent Mason. William Hurt was also seen on the set and it is more than likely he will reprise his role as Thunderbolt Ross.

Robert Downey Jr. is rumored to reprise his role as Tony Stark.

On that note, we have another dead character (RDJ) coming back for an MCU film. And perhaps the latter (William Hurt) will be the lynchpin for a film rumored to be in development? I know Robert Downey Jr’s involvement with the Marvel films is far from over. Jeff Goldblum confirmed the actor has done some voice work for the upcoming What If…? series.

This next phase of Marvel Films looks to usher in a new generation of actors to the iconic comic book roles. And if the rumors pan out it looks to culminate in a Young Avengers team, comprised of characters introduced in both film and the Disney+ streaming service.

But what do you think of Florence Pugh’s comments? Is this Black Widow film going to be the proper send off to Scarlett Johansson’s character? Or is it five years a bit too late to the game? Let us know in the comments below or let’s talk about it on social media!

Black Widow is slated to hit theaters May 1, 2020.