Florence Pugh’s Little Women Co-Star Nearly Replaced Her in Black Widow
Among the notable actresses who rejected the role of the skilled assassin and spy Yelena Belova, is Florence Pugh’s co-star Saoirse Ronan. The Little Woman star was initially offered to play the role alongside Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow.
But surprisingly, Saoirse Ronan didn’t seem to be interested in entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and as a result, she refused to play Yelena Belova. The role then eventually went to Florence Pugh who immediately received a positive review over her portrayal and gained popularity after Black Widow was released.
Florence Pugh’s Co-Star Saoirse Ronan Rejected MCU’s Yelena Belova
Yelena Belova’s introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is considered one of the best parts of Black Widow, thanks to Florence Pugh who brought the character to life. The film was directed by Cate Shortland and focuses on Scarlett Johansson‘s Natasha Romanoff exploring her life before she transformed into a resident avenger. Pugh’s Yelena, who’s also Natasha’s sister and sometimes her rival, became a significant part of the superhero world, and now the character is set for the future projects of the MCU.
Before the Oppenheimer star secured the role, one of her co-stars Saoirse Ronan was reportedly offered to play Yelena Belova. However, The French Dispatch star wasn’t interested in stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and playing a significant role alongside the Avengers. According to Matthew Belloni’s The Town podcast:
“The Saoirse thing, I’ve heard stuff she’s passed on. She passed on Florence’s role in ‘Black Widow,’ the sister. Marvel has not been her cup of tea, and she was not interested.”
The Oscar-nominated actress’s breakout role came in the 2007 movie Atonement and since then Ronan has been a significant part of the entertainment industry. However, according to her previous comments (via The Mary Sue), the Lady Bird star expressed interest in playing MCU’s Scarlet Witch before Olsen landed the role. Ronan said:
“I would. Yeah, of course I would. I love Joss and I love those films, and I love his handle on them and how he portrayed these kinds of superheroes.”
However, the role was eventually given to Elizabeth Olsen and she was introduced as one of the most powerful figures of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an extremely complex nature.
Florence Pugh Revealed How She Bonded With Scarlett Johansson in Black Widow
Since Black Widow was released, Florence Pugh has become a significant part of the MCU. During an interview with Collider, the actress was asked how she approached Yelena Belova and her bond with Scarlett Johansson. Pugh shared that her first sequence was the Budapest fight scene in the safe house, she said:
“That was my first week of shooting, and that was Scarlett’s second week of shooting. Literally, on my first day, I was throwing Scarlett up against a wall and she was smashing my face in the sink.”
Revealing her initial experience of working with acclaimed Johansson, Pugh added:
“I just remember thinking that here was no greater way than to break the ice than really wrestling Scarlett Johansson to the floor and trying to choke each other. It was great that it was done. We got to know each other and were friends.”
Johansson agreed with her co-star and accepted that it was indeed an icebreaker for the co-stars. The Under the Skin star even praised Florence Pugh’s acting and dancing skills while talking about her role in Black Widow.
Black Widow is streaming now on Disney+.
