Saoirse Ronan Addresses Yelena Belova Casting Rumors in MCU: "I Don't See Myself Doing Marvel"
When Marvel Studios was looking to cast Yelena Belova for 2021's Black Widow movie, both Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan were on the top of Kevin Feige's wishlist. In fact, Ronan was initially offered the role and turned it down.
During a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Ronan was asked about this and pretty much confirmed those reports saying: "How did you hear about that? I don't know [Laughs]."
Ronan is best known for her roles in critically acclaimed films like Little Women, Lady Bird, and Atonement. She went on to say she does want to star in bigger film, but Marvel movies isn’t what she is looking for.
The actress said: "I can't see myself doing Marvel. I don't. No. I would prefer to do Bond. There is nothing wrong with [Marvel]. And I think they're brilliant films.
“I want to do more big movies, especially after seeing Greta [Gerwig] make Barbie. I want to do that. Of course I want to do that stuff."
Ronan previously said she’d love to make bigger movie and that she would like to play a Bond villain, "I would like to do something big and shiny. I’d love to do that."
Ronan also talked about wanting to make blockbusters, especially after missing out on a role in The Hobbit. She said:
"That’s why I don’t think you can put someone in one category, and even with me choosing very well-respected, drama-fueled, thought-provoking pieces for the most part – I love doing that. But I’m also like, 'I’ve done a lot of that. I think I want to do a big movie now.' And hopefully I’ll get to do that."
I think Ronan would’ve been interesting to see in the role Yelena Belova. She a great actress and I have no doubt she would’ve brought something special to the role. But, Pugh ended up being such a great fit for the character, and I’m a fan of what she’s brought to the role.
Pugh’s next Marvel movie is Thunderbolts* and she is also expected to appear in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.