Violet McGraw’s Secret Role in Thunderbolts* Revealed: Young Yelena Belova Returns
In a surprise move, actress Violet McGraw (known for M3GAN and The Haunting of Hill House) officially revealed her secret role in Marvel Studios’ upcoming movie Thunderbolts*.
McGraw, who portrayed young Yelena Belova in 2021’s Black Widow, posted a behind-the-scenes image on Instagram. The picture showed a chair labeled “Young Yelena,” accompanied by the caption “coming soon,” while tagging Marvel Studios and using the #Thunderbolts hashtag.
Adding to the excitement, Florence Pugh, who plays the adult version of Yelena Belova, commented on Violet’s post saying:
“You are so so good in the movie Violet. I’m so proud of you. Xx”
Interestingly, McGraw’s involvement had not been confirmed or even rumored before this reveal. As a result, fans were taken completely by surprise.
What Young Yelena’s Role Means for Thunderbolts
While Thunderbolts* is positioned as an ensemble film, its marketing heavily spotlights Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and her emotional struggles.
Therefore, including flashbacks featuring young Yelena seems like a natural storytelling choice. In fact, fans last saw glimpses of Yelena’s childhood in Black Widow, especially through her relationships with David Harbour’s Red Guardian and the Red Room’s dark legacy.
However, Thunderbolts could offer a fresh perspective. Viewers may finally experience Yelena’s Red Room journey through her own eyes rather than through Natasha Romanoff’s story, adding new emotional depth.
In addition, the secrecy around Violet McGraw’s casting hints that her flashbacks might play a pivotal role in shaping Yelena’s arc in Thunderbolts.
A Deeper Connection to Black Widow
Regardless of how much screen time Violet McGraw’s young Yelena gets, her appearance firmly ties Thunderbolts* back to the emotional core of Black Widow.
Clearly, Marvel Studios is determined to make Yelena Belova’s personal journey the beating heart of the MCU’s newest team-up film.
Fans can look forward to seeing how Yelena’s past and present collide when Thunderbolts* hits theaters.
