Kevin Feige isn’t quite confirming that Florence Pugh will appear in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” but he may have come as close as possible without explicitly naming the movie.
During a Marvel Q&A at BilibiliWorld in Shanghai, the Marvel Studios president confirmed that Pugh’s Yelena Belova will have a substantial role in “Avengers: Doomsday.” However, he also suggested that fans may see the character again before that movie arrives in December.
“But if you don’t want to wait until then, you might see Yelena a little bit sooner in the movies,” Feige teased.
Pugh’s involvement in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has already been rumored, making Feige’s conspicuously vague wording feel less like a random tease and more like a deliberate nod toward those reports. With the Tom Holland-led sequel opening several months before “Doomsday,” it is also the most obvious (and really only) candidate for Yelena’s earlier return.
Feige’s use of “a little bit sooner” could point toward anything from a substantial supporting role to a cameo or post-credits appearance. Either way, his remarks appear to lend further credence to the rumors that Pugh will cross paths with Holland’s Peter Parker, though probably only briefly.
Pugh debuted as Yelena in “Black Widow” before returning in “Hawkeye” and becoming one of the central figures in “Thunderbolts*.” Feige has now confirmed that she will play a major part in “Avengers: Doomsday,” suggesting Marvel has significant plans for the character as the MCU moves toward its next major crossover event.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” finds Peter living alone in a New York City that no longer remembers his identity and devoting himself entirely to fighting crime as Spider-Man.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” opens in theaters on July 31, 2026. “Avengers: Doomsday” follows on December 18, 2026.
Kevin Feige on Yelena's role in 'AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY'
— Avengers Updates (@AvengersUpdated) July 11, 2026
"If you're a fan of Yelena, wait until Avengers Doomsday, Yelena plays a big part in that. But if you don't want to wait until then, you might see Yelena a little bit sooner in the movies"
(via: 艺东西 on RedNote) pic.twitter.com/4ws5aQD9np
