What if Yelena Belova Was Peter Parker’s Aunt in the MCU?

Imagine a different universe where Yelena Belova, the hard-line KGB operative from Black Widow, becomes Peter Parker’s aunt instead of May Parker. How would this change the narratives of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home?

Zero Mercy and Martial Arts Skills

With Yelena Belova as Peter’s aunt, Peter would grow up with a much different mindset. He wouldn’t be as merciful towards villains. In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Vulture might not only survive but become the first significant villain Peter has to take down. Mysterio, too, would face a much harsher fate. Both would likely meet their deaths at Peter’s hands.

Moreover, Peter would develop a breadth of combat skills. He would learn martial arts, how to manipulate people, and use charm and seduction for personal gain. He would be trained in various melee weapons and firearms, making him a more versatile and deadly hero. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, his strategic acumen might even align with Dr. Strange’s proposal to send villains back to their home dimensions, neutralizing threats before they become serious problems.

Secretive and Cunning

Peter would also become more secretive and cunning. He would be a better liar, ensuring that not everyone knew he was Spider-Man, except for potential enemies like Vulture. This adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to his character, making him a more enigmatic and powerful presence.

The Role of Natasha Romanov

Another major change would be the identity of Natasha Romanov. If Yelena Belova is Peter’s aunt, then Natasha would become his mother. This would dramatically alter Peter’s upbringing and his relationship with both Yelena and Natasha. Yelena would have a different approach to parenting, focusing more on martial arts and fighting techniques rather than moral lessons, which May previously imparted.

When Peter was 17, Yelena would be 27, making her a late 20s mother, which is a reasonable age for a skilled operative like her. However, if Peter became an orphan at the age of eight, she would be in her early 20s, a time when she might not be legally or emotionally equipped to be a mother. This could lead to a more foster-like relationship between Yelena and Peter, with less focus on day-to-day motherly duties.

Impact on the MCU

This change in the MCU would have ripple effects. Peter would grow up more brutal and combat-ready, leading to a more civil society where Iron Man’s technological advancements might play a greater role in maintaining peace. There might not be the division of the Avengers, potentially leading to a more united front against Thanos. Instead of the Avengers being scattered, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Natasha might form a more cohesive force, leading to a different outcome when Thanos is defeated.

Furthermore, the absence of the Avengers might leave a power vacuum, potentially giving rise to Jon Snow-like leaders emerging from unseen corners. Peter, with his newfound combat skills and strategic mind, could fill a similar role, leading to a future where leadership and heroism are more personal and direct.

Conclusion

The introduction of Yelena Belova as Peter Parker’s aunt would drastically alter the path of the MCU spider-verse. From a more brutal and strategic Spider-Man to a more unified and powerful team of heroes, the narrative would take a different turn. The question remains: would the world be better off with a more ruthless hero or a more united front of superheroes?