Thunderbolts* isn't a Black Widow sequel, says director Jake Schreier, but the Marvel movie preserves its legacy with Red Guardian and Yelena Belova's relationship.

The anticipation for Marvel's upcoming film Thunderbolts* is palpable, especially as it endeavors to merge various narrative threads from its vast cinematic universe while simultaneously exploring deep character relationships established in previous installments, notably Black Widow. Director Jake Schreier has made it clear that although the film shares some emotional DNA with Black Widow, it is not a direct sequel. Instead, it aims to provide a fresh perspective by pulling together various characters from different corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In recent conversations, Schreier emphasized the necessity of honoring established character relationships, particularly the significant father/daughter dynamic between Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Alexei Shostakov, aka Red Guardian (David Harbour). He highlighted how these connections will resonate throughout the film, offering viewers a sense that the legacy of Black Widow is being respected and woven into the new narrative context. Pugh echoed this sentiment during an interview, underscoring the importance of addressing the emotional implications of Natasha Romanoff's death within the storyline. This facet not only personalizes the stakes but also presents an opportunity for emotional depth that many fans are eager to see. What sets Thunderbolts* apart is its focus on characters deemed 'anti-heroes' who are grappling with their pasts and striving for redemption. The film promises to delve into complex themes of grief and trauma, particularly through Yelena’s character arc. Pugh noted her character's journey from the vibrant and excited persona seen in Black Widow to someone struggling to find her purpose after significant loss. This transformation has the potential to resonate with audiences on a deeper level, exploring the realities of loss and the path toward healing and growth. As various characters come together, the interaction between Yelena and Alexei is expected to be particularly rich, with unresolved issues stemming from their shared history and Natasha's absence. Such complexity will not only serve to deepen their individual character arcs but also contribute to the overarching narrative of the MCU, setting the stage for their future appearances in projects like Avengers: Doomsday. Set to release in theaters soon, Thunderbolts* appears poised to make significant contributions to the MCU’s Phase 5, shedding light on Yelena’s evolutionary journey while incorporating a greater ensemble of characters that fans have come to love. Its delicate balance of action, emotional depth, and character development is a testament to the filmmakers' commitment to storytelling in a genre often critiqued for its reliance on spectacle over substance.