MCU Speculations: When Did Yelena Become Black Widow?

Spider-Man Brand New Day became the fourth solo Tom Holland Spider-Man movie. This movie had a grounded approach and it featured many characters. Its a film full of cameos.One of the most talked-about appearance was Yelena Belova, and it left fans asking: when did Yelena become Black Widow? We’ll uncover that moving forward. 

Yelena is Natasha Romanoff’s adoptive sister in the MCU. Natasha, played by Scarlett Johansson, is the original Black Widow on screen. In Black Widow (2021), set right after Captain America: Civil War, the two reunite while Natasha is on the run from the US government. Both were trained in the Red Room, where they became Widows. So far, Yelena has appeared in four projects: Black Widow, Hawkeye, Thunderbolts*, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. In this post, we trace the journey from Natasha to Yelena and explain where the title stands today.

What Does Black Widow Mean in the MCU?

In the MCU, “Black Widow in the MCU” has two meanings. First, it refers to the Red Room program, which trained girls to become skilled spies and assassins, including both Natasha and Yelena. Second, it is Natasha’s codename as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and an Avenger. Yelena is the Marvel Black Widow but until Brand New Day she never carried Natasha’s hero identity on screen.

Natasha’s tools include the Black Widow Bite and electrified bracelets. The red hourglass is her signature symbol, though its visibility varies across costumes. In the comics, Yelena and Natasha share a Red Room background, but Yelena is not Natasha’s adoptive sister as she is in the MCU. Both characters also have distinctive, instantly recognizable styles, and the Natasha Romanoff Avengers costume is the best example. 

Natasha Romanoff’s Era: How the Title Was Built

To understand the handover, look at what Natasha made the name mean. Over time, she turned Black Widow from a feared spy label into a symbol of redemption and sacrifice.

From Spy to Avenger: Natasha’s Nine Films

In 2010, Scarlett Johansson played Black Widow. It was during Iron Man 2. Finally, she returned in Avengers: Endgame (2019), sacrificing herself on Vormir to secure the Soul Stone.. Her solo film, Black Widow, followed in 2021. From 2010 to 2021, her arc is easy to follow. To borrow her sharp look, try Natasha’s Winter Soldier blazer. Want more background on the character? Visit Natasha’s MCU history. You can find every single detail about her past.  

Natasha’s Last Chapter: Black Widow (2021)

The Black Widow (2021) film takes place between Civil War and Infinity War. Natasha reunites with her adoptive family, and together they help bring down the Red Room. It is also Johansson’s final live-action turn as Natasha, and she has said her work on the character feels complete. Beyond the action, the film centers on Natasha’s bond with Yelena, and it closes her story with care. Her spy style lives on in fashion too: the Natasha Romanoff biker jacket adds a bold, film-inspired edge to everyday outfits.

From Natasha to Yelena: Black Widow’s Mantle, Film by Film

Many fans ask: when did Yelena become Black Widow? The answer unfolds across four titles, and for each we separate what is shown on screen from what is interpreted. .

Black Widow (2021): Yelena Steps Forward

Yelena Belova is introduced as Natasha’s adoptive sister and a Red Room graduate. She helps Natasha destroy the Red Room, and she frees other Widows using an antidote. During the action sequences, she wears the Yelena Belova vest, a look that adds depth to her character. In the post-credits scene, she stands at Natasha’s grave, where she is told Clint Barton is responsible for her sister’s death. Some fans read the film as setting Yelena up as Natasha’s successor, but that is an interpretation. The film never names her Black Widow. If her look inspires you, explore our Black Widow collection. Here, you can find several character-accurate styles. 

Hawkeye (2021): Grief Before the Title

In Hawkeye, Yelena (Florence Pugh), often called the new Black Widow actress, believes Clint Barton is the reason Natasha died. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine tells her so, making her anger feel personal. She confronts Clint and fights him, until he uses the whistle that Natasha and Yelena once shared. Yelena then learns the truth about Natasha’s sacrifice, spares him, and walks away. To learn more about the character, read about Yelena Belova in the comics to know more about this character. 

Thunderbolts* (2025): From Contract Killer to New Avenger

In Thunderbolts*, Yelena still works for Valentina and feels lost. Her path changes as the Thunderbolts* team comes together, and by the end it is rebranded as the New Avengers. Fans see Yelena as the heart of the team, since her doubts and humor help hold the group together. Her Black Widow-style costume also plays a big role in defining her.

Fans who like her adoptive father Alexei Shostakov’s bold Red Guardian look can try the Red Guardian jacket. Inspired by the Red Guardian in Black Widow (2021), the same character who returns in Thunderbolts*. The jacket is made of red PU leather (not real leather) with a viscose lining, a front zip, a stand-up collar, and zippered cuffs. For more looks from the film, browse our Thunderbolts outfits and expand your collection. 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026): The First On-Screen “Black Widow”

Brand New Day was released in the US on July 31, 2026, after an international rollout that began on July 29. Yelena makes a cameo: Peter Parker visits her at her office, a repurposed bathhouse, and she helps him dig into the truth about Jean Grey. Her “small potatoes” comment explains why the Avengers don’t step into this kind of problem. To her, it’s a small case, while the New Avengers handle bigger threats.

The key moment comes during a video call, when Ned calls Yelena Black Widow. According to reports from Wikipedia and The Direct, this is the first time she is openly called the new Black Widow on screen since Natasha’s death. It is not an official Marvel announcement, and fans still debate whether the line makes it her official title. The Director also notes that she remains distinctly herself rather than a pure replacement for Natasha. For film-inspired looks, browse our Spider-Man: Brand New Day jackets.

Avengers: Doomsday: What Is Still Unconfirmed

Avengers: Doomsday arrives on December 18, 2026, and Florence Pugh is in the cast as Yelena Belova. That confirms she will be part of the story, but not how her role will be defined. Marvel has not said whether she will officially take on the Black Widow identity, or whether the name will simply stay an informal nickname, as it was in Brand New Day.

Several questions remain open. Will the film address the title directly? Will Yelena embrace it, or keep her own identity as she has so far? And where does the New Avengers team fit into the larger story? Until Marvel answers, treat any claim about her “official” status as speculation. While we wait, check out our Avengers outfits for superhero-inspired fashion.

Why Is There a New Black Widow?

The question comes down to Natasha’s death and the legacy she left behind. In Endgame, Natasha gives her life so the Avengers can obtain the Soul Stone. The name “Black Widow” is also tied to the Red Room’s training program, which produced many operatives, not just one.

Yelena Belova has a complex past with Natasha but is her own character, with her own personality, experiences, and motivations. Florence Pugh is not taking over Johansson’s role; she plays a different character in the MCU. Black Widow (2021) introduced Yelena to a wider audience and established her connection to Natasha’s story. This lets Marvel explore the history and consequences of the Widow program without bringing Natasha back in the same capacity.

Black Widow in Marvel Rivals and Beyond

On a side note, if you are a Black Widow gaming fan, you can find Natasha Romanoff in Marvel Rivals as a Duelist. The game was released on December 6, 2024, and features a costume based on her white suit from the 2021 Black Widow movie. With Season 9’s July 2026 release, official patch notes confirm tweaks to her abilities and gameplay.  Searches for the best Black Widow player in Marvel Rivals also show interest in her role. The Marvel Legends Avengers Black Widow connects the character to Marvel collectibles.

Black Widow Costume Ideas: Natasha and Yelena Looks

Natasha’s style is sleek black leather, so her Black Widow Natasha Romanoff Civil War Jacket is easy to create. For a casual outfit, pair a black leather biker jacket with skinny jeans and boots, or go smarter with a black leather blazer and tailored trousers. For an Avengers-inspired look, stick to dark colors and keep accessories minimal.

Yelena’s style goes a different route, with military-green tones and a belted vest. For a functional, character-inspired look, pair a vest with a fitted shirt and cargo pants. You can also browse the Black Widow Yelena Belova Grey Coat to capture her movie-accurate style.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Yelena become Black Widow?

Yelena is first called Black Widow on screen in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, when Ned refers to her that way on a video call. Marvel has not formally announced it as her title. Natasha’s death in Endgame and Yelena’s introduction in Black Widow set up the moment.

Is Yelena the new Black Widow in the MCU?

Yes, Yelena Belova is effectively the MCU’s new Black Widow. In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Ned calls her Black Widow, suggesting she has taken on Natasha Romanoff’s mantle. 

Who is Black Widow in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh. She helps Peter Parker, and Ned calls her Black Widow on a video call.

Why is there a new Black Widow?

Natasha died in Endgame. The Black Widow title comes from the Red Room, which trained many Widows. Yelena, Natasha’s adoptive sister, is expected to carry on her legacy, though Marvel hasn’t officially confirmed it. 

Who is the new Black Widow actress?

Florence Pugh plays Yelena Belova. She first appeared in Black Widow (2021), then in Hawkeye, Thunderbolts*, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Is Natasha Romanoff dead in the MCU?

Yes. Natasha dies in Avengers: Endgame (2019), sacrificing herself on Vormir to get the Soul Stone. Her 2021 solo film takes place earlier, between Civil War and Infinity War.

Will Yelena appear in Avengers: Doomsday?

Yes, Florence Pugh is in the cast as Yelena. Her exact role in the film hasn’t been confirmed.

Conclusion

So when did Yelena become Black Widow? Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Thunderbolts* told her story, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day was the first time she was called Black Widow on screen, though Marvel hasn’t formally announced it. Natasha’s sacrifice remains a defining MCU moment, and Yelena is still living her own story as part of the New Avengers. Whether you prefer Natasha’s classic black leather or Yelena’s practical style, browse the looks above to find your favorite.