The Hollywood Reporter has shared a very interesting piece about how actors in superhero movies are compensated - you won't believe how much Michael Keaton made for his Batgirl cameo - and it includes a big MCU tease.
After first playing Yelena Belova in Black Widow, actress Florence Pugh reprised the role in Disney+ Hawkeye. Next for her is 2024's Thunderbolts movie, where the former assassin will lead a team comprised of Red Guardian, Taskmaster, U.S. Agent, Bucky, and Ghost.
The trade confirms that Pugh "will receive eight figures for her next two Marvel films, including leading the ensemble cast of the villain-centric Thunderbolts."
That suggests whatever the second mystery movie is, it's more than just a cameo role. Captain America: New World Order seems like a possibility, though that's already shaping up to be pretty busy. Perhaps the actress has already booked a role in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty or Avengers: Secret Wars? We'll have to wait and see.
It's clear the plan is for Yelena to become the MCU's new Black Widow in the wake of Scarlett Johansson deciding to walk away from the role after Avengers: Endgame.
The disappointing side to this news is the fact that, while Pugh will receive a huge sum of money for playing Yelena, the hero's co-creator will not. Devin Grayson was originally given a mere $5,000 by Disney, despite being promised $12,500. However, an expose by the trade ultimately saw her receive that remaining sum.
That's always disappointing to hear, but putting it to one side, we are excited to learn Yelena has such a bright future in the MCU. She's a great character and Pugh has really managed to steal the show with her fun and formidable take on the hero.
Thunderbolts is set to be released in theaters on July 26, 2024.