Florence Pugh Credits Tom Holland for Helping Bring Yelena to *Spider-Man*

Pugh, who plays Yelena, credited Holland with helping generate early fan interest in seeing the two actors share the screen. Speaking during an appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, the actress recalled how Holland publicly named her as the co-star he would like to work with in a future *Spider-Man* film.

According to Pugh, the moment happened several years ago, around the time she was beginning her association with Marvel following the release of *Black Widow* in 2021.

She explained that Yelena was not yet as widely established among Marvel's major characters when Holland was asked on a red carpet who he would like to appear alongside in a future film. Rather than naming another established superhero, Holland reportedly chose Pugh, saying he wanted to work with the actress who played Yelena.

Pugh said Holland's comments helped spark enthusiasm among fans for the possibility of the two characters appearing together, which she believes eventually contributed to the idea becoming a reality.

The actress has played Yelena across several Marvel projects. She first appeared as the character in *Black Widow*, before reprising the role in the 2021 miniseries *Hawkeye*. She later returned as Yelena in the 2025 superhero film *Thunderbolts*.

Pugh expressed her appreciation for Holland's support and friendship, crediting him for helping set the idea in motion.

"So, thanks to Tom. Thank you, Tom," she said.