Saoirse Ronan, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in independent films like ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Brooklyn,’ almost joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a recent interview on the podcast ‘Happy Sad Confused,’ host Josh Horowitz subtly confirmed a long-standing rumor: Ronan was offered the role of Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow.’ While she remained coy about the offer, Ronan’s response clearly hinted at the truth.
Florence Pugh eventually took on the role of Yelena, a character she will reprise in the upcoming ‘Thunderbolts’ (2025). When asked about her thoughts on superhero films, Ronan admitted, “I can’t see myself doing Marvel. I don’t… No, I would prefer to do Bond.”
Ronan’s preference for a Bond film over a Marvel movie might surprise some, but her reasoning is rooted in her desire to reach a wider audience. “There’s nothing wrong with [Marvel] and I think they’re brilliant films. I want to do more big movies. I’m at the point where I’ve done… I love making independent film, I really do, but to know — especially in this landscape that we’re in, in film right now — to know that a film is going to be seen is such a luxury.”
This fall, Ronan is starring in two highly anticipated movies: ‘The Outrun’ and ‘Blitz.’ ‘The Outrun,’ a drama about a recovering alcoholic returning to her childhood home, is already garnering critical acclaim, with Ronan considered a frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar. ‘Blitz,’ a WWII drama directed by Steve McQueen, follows a young boy’s quest to reunite with his mother during the London bombings. Ronan’s performance in this film could potentially earn her a Supporting Actress nomination.
Despite her impressive career and four Oscar nominations, Ronan has yet to win the coveted award. With two potential Oscar contenders slated for release this year, it seems her chances of finally securing the accolade are high.
While she may have chosen Bond over Marvel, Ronan’s decision highlights her strategic approach to her career and her desire to make films that resonate with a broad audience. It remains to be seen whether she will ultimately grace the screen as a Bond girl, but one thing is certain: Saoirse Ronan is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema.
