Scarlett Johansson recently made headlines at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, expressing her interest in directing a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Considering her years-long experience as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff and her producing role on the 2021 Black Widow film, her shift to directing within the MCU feels like an organic and highly anticipated next step.

Johansson’s directorial debut in the MCU should undoubtedly center on the character she knows best, or rather, the character linked to her own. Instead of focusing on a new hero, the perfect story for Johansson to helm would be a “White Widow” film, delving into the continuing adventures of Yelena Belova, Natasha's surrogate sister.

Considering the overwhelming positive reception Florence Pugh has been met with as Yelena Bolova in the MCU, and her expanded role as one of the New Avengers, there is a solid platform for Johansson to explore the emotional core of the MCU's spy underworld through a fresh lens.

The Echoes Of The Red Room Are An Essential Part Of Both Yelena's And Natasha's Makeup

The MCU Failed To Draw On Some Of Natasha Romanoff's Greatest Lore

Yelena Belova's journey in the MCU has already hinted at her struggle to reconcile her past as a child assassin with her emerging sense of morality. A film could delve deeper into the brainwashing techniques and emotional manipulation employed by the Red Room, showcasing how these experiences continue to shape Yelena's perception of the world and her ability to form connections. This sort of exploration would resonate strongly with Johansson's expressed interest in the “human connectivity” of the MCU, allowing an emphasis on the internal battles Yelena faces.

The comics frequently depict Yelena grappling with her identity, questioning whether she can ever truly escape the conditioning of her youth. This struggle could be a central conflict in the film through a storyline where Yelena encounters other former Red Room operatives who are still under its sway, forcing her to confront the specter of her own past and the choices she has made since gaining her freedom. Johansson, having embodied Natasha's similar struggles for years, is uniquely positioned to guide Pugh through this complex emotional landscape, crafting a story that is both action-packed and deeply personal.

Moreover, a potential White Widow movie offers the opportunity to adapt portions of Natasha’s lore that the MCU has largely glossed over, but within the framework of Yelena’s story. While Black Widow touched upon the brainwashing and family dynamic, the comics often presented the Red Room as a brutal, almost horror-like institution, exploring the psychological torture, forced experimentation, and the absolute stripping of one’s individuality.

Taking that direction as a focus, elements like the biochemical enhancements or the more extreme mind-wiping techniques that left indelible marks on Natasha in the comics would give Yelena a more harrowing experience of this past. This would not only ground her character in a more impactful trauma but also differentiate her Red Room experience from Natasha's, revealing layers of suffering the MCU has yet to fully explore.

Yelena’s Unorthodox Mentorship Of The Next Generation Of Widows Demands Exploration

Natasha And Yelena Were Not The Last Incarnation Of Widows

One compelling direction for a White Widow film would be to explore Yelena's reluctant or even accidental mentorship of a new generation of Black Widows, drawing inspiration from comic storylines where she takes on a more proactive role in dismantling remnants of the Red Room's influence. This could involve Yelena discovering a new training program or a rogue faction attempting to replicate the Red Room's methods, forcing her to intervene. Her unique perspective, having been both a product of and a survivor of the Red Room, would make her an invaluable, though unconventional, guide for other Widows.

This sort of arc would allow for even more character development for Yelena than has previously been explored in the MCU, as she grapples with the responsibility of leadership and the emotional weight of guiding others away from a life she knows too well. This direction could beautifully portray the awkward yet profound bonds that form between Yelena and her unexpected proteges, tying into themes of the complicated but ultimately redemptive power of a found family that have colored her character since her introduction.

The Nuances Of Yelena's Allegiances Offer Rich Untapped Potential

What Makes Yelena A Fan-Favorite Is That She's Not Quite A Hero

Yelena Belova's comic book history is filled with instances where her allegiances shift, and her loyalty is tested, often leading her to make difficult choices for the greater good, or at least what she perceives as such. A White Widow movie could brilliantly explore this fluidity, showcasing Yelena's journey as she navigates the world of international espionage. This could involve her working alongside or against different factions, sometimes for personal gain, other times for a cause she believes in, blurring the lines between hero and anti-hero.

A spy thriller full of ethical dilemmas could emphasize Yelena's internal debates and the difficult decisions she makes, all while ensuring that her character remains compelling and unpredictable.

Such a plot could mirror comic storylines where Yelena has reluctantly cooperated with S.H.I.E.L.D., showing her pragmatic nature and her willingness to compromise for a larger goal. A spy thriller full of ethical dilemmas could emphasize Yelena's internal debates and the difficult decisions she makes, all while ensuring that her character remains compelling and unpredictable. This would allow for a unique exploration of a character who is constantly evolving, challenging audience expectations and demonstrating the complexity of living in shades of gray.

A White Widow Film Could Follow The Path Of The MCU's Greatest Success

Lightning Can Strike Twice

Captain America: The Winter Soldier proved that the MCU could deliver a compelling, grounded spy thriller, exchanging typical superhero over-the-topness for something rooted in political intrigue and paranoia. Its success lay in its commitment to realistic combat, a sense of real-world stakes, and a plot that challenged institutional trust, echoing classic espionage films. The film also showed a new level of depth to Natasha Romanoff as a character, leading to one of her most popular appearances in the MCU. Stripped of the larger-than-life Avenger team, she was forced to rely on her wit and her skills to stay alive.

Her relationship with Steve hinted at her struggle with a past filled with lies, giving fans a glimpse into a vulnerability rarely seen before. A Yelena-centric film could similarly focus on her personal struggles and growth within a grounded MCU setting, allowing Florence Pugh to further develop the character's complexities, following in her sister's footsteps. The Winter Soldier template is perfectly suited for a White Widow movie, with her past as a Red Room assassin and freelance work for the “good guys” setting a similar, but unique, tone.

Scarlett Johansson's desire to direct within the MCU is an exciting possibility, and a White Widow film presents a perfect opportunity. It allows her to dig into her intimate knowledge of the Black Widow mythos, explore themes of trauma and healing, and delve into unconventional mentorship. By bringing Yelena's rich comic book history to the screen, Johansson could deliver a spy thriller that is not only action-packed but also deeply resonant, offering a human-centric story that is uniquely her own in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Source: People