Kevin Feige may have just hinted at Marvel's next crossover.
Marvel Studios is now focused on connecting its next wave of films ahead of Avengers: Doomsday (2026). While many upcoming cast members have already been announced, the studio continues to keep several appearances under wraps.
That has made every comment from Marvel president Kevin Feige a source of fresh speculation, particularly as fans wait for Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), one of the MCU's biggest upcoming releases.
During an appearance at the Chinese fan festival Bilibili World, Feige discussed Florence Pugh's future as Yelena Belova while standing alongside a fan dressed as the character.
Kevin Feige on Yelena's role in 'AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY'
"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: čŗäøč„æ on RedNote) pic.twitter.com/4ws5aQD9np
— Avengers Updates (@AvengersUpdated) July 11, 2026
He confirmed that Yelena will return in Avengers: Doomsday, but suggested audiences may see her before then.
“If youāre a fan of Yelena, wait until ‘Avengers: Doomsday,'” Feige said. “Yelena plays a big part in that. But if you donāt want to wait until then, you might see Yelena a little bit sooner in the movies.”
With Spider-Man: Brand New DayĀ set to arrive before Avengers: Doomsday,Ā Feige's comments have sparked speculation that Yelena could appear in Peter Parker's next adventure.
Spider-Man's Next Movie Already Has a Packed Cast
Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, five years after Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).
The previous film ended with Peter asking Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to erase all knowledge of his identity. As a result, MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) no longer remember him.
Both actors return for the new film alongside Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk, Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/Punisher, Michael Mando as Mac Gargan/Scorpion, and Stranger Things star Sadie Sink in an undisclosed role.
Yelena has also been linked to the project before. Reports last August claimed Florence Pugh would appear in the film, although Marvel Studios has never confirmed those rumors.
Marvel Gives ‘Thunderbolts' Another Connection
When audiences last saw Yelena in Thunderbolts*, she led the team into the Void to save Bob (Lewis Pullman) before Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) introduced the group to the world as the New Avengers.
The film received strong reviews, earning an 88% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it brought in just over $382 million worldwide, making it Marvel Studios' lowest-grossing theatrical release of 2025.
By comparison, Spider-Man: Brand New DayĀ is tracking for a domestic opening between $180 million and $190 million, putting it on course for one of the biggest launches of the year.
Whether Yelena appears throughout the film or in a post-credits scene remains unknown.
Are you excited forĀ Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
