Why the Thunderbolts Could Be the Next Big Thing in the MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has introduced us to a wide array of superheroes, anti-heroes, and iconic characters over the years. However, as the MCU continues to expand into new phases, one team is poised to make a massive impact in the upcoming years: the Thunderbolts. Fans of Marvel Comics and the MCU have been eagerly awaiting the Thunderbolts’ debut in the MCU, and there are a number of reasons why this team could be the next big thing in the franchise.
In this article, we’ll explore who the Thunderbolts are, their significance in the Marvel Comics universe, the team’s potential in the MCU, and why they’re perfectly positioned to become one of the MCU’s most exciting and dynamic forces moving forward.
What Are the Thunderbolts?
The Thunderbolts are a superhero (or rather, anti-hero) team from Marvel Comics that first appeared in Thunderbolts #1 in 1997. The team was created by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley. Their origin story is unique and somewhat controversial: the Thunderbolts were originally introduced as a group of heroic characters who appeared to be new superheroes taking on villains in the wake of a crisis. However, it was later revealed that the Thunderbolts were actually disguised versions of well-known supervillains, including Baron Zemo, Moonstone, Beetle, and Songbird.
The concept of using former villains as heroes or anti-heroes has always been a central theme of the Thunderbolts. Over the years, the roster of the team has changed multiple times, but one consistent feature of the Thunderbolts is that many of its members are morally gray characters who walk the line between heroism and villainy. Their stories often revolve around redemption, moral ambiguity, and a unique brand of heroism that is far from traditional.
The Thunderbolts in the MCU: Who’s Who?
Fans of the MCU have been speculating about the Thunderbolts’ potential appearance for quite some time, and as of recent years, it has become clear that the team is set to make its big debut on the silver screen. In 2021, Marvel Studios announced that a Thunderbolts film was officially in development, further solidifying the team’s importance in Phase 5 and beyond. Let’s take a look at some of the key members of the Thunderbolts who are likely to play a role in the MCU’s version of the team.
1. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
Yelena Belova, portrayed by Florence Pugh, was first introduced in Black Widow (2021). Yelena is a trained assassin and the sister of Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow). In the MCU, Yelena is shown to be highly skilled, with an intense desire for justice. After the events of Black Widow, she becomes a significant character in the MCU, and in the post-credits scene of Hawkeye, she is seen being recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a key player in assembling the Thunderbolts.
2. Bucky Barnes / The White Wolf (Sebastian Stan)
Bucky Barnes, also known as The Winter Soldier, has undergone a significant transformation throughout his time in the MCU. After being freed from Hydra’s influence, Bucky becomes an ally to Captain America and other Avengers. His journey continues in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where he begins to find peace and redemption. Bucky is also a likely member of the Thunderbolts, as his skills as a former assassin and super soldier make him an asset to any team, especially one that deals with morally complex situations.
3. John Walker / U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell)
John Walker, aka U.S. Agent, was introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier as a government-appointed replacement for Captain America. However, Walker’s ruthless approach to justice and his instability led to his fall from grace, making him an interesting character for the Thunderbolts. The team could serve as a redemption arc for Walker, where he seeks to find his place and his true purpose within a team of outcasts and former villains.
4. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is a relatively new character in the MCU but has already shown up in multiple projects, including The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Black Widow. Portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Valentina appears to be a secretive and manipulative figure who is actively recruiting a team of anti-heroes, including John Walker and Yelena Belova. It is believed that she will be the one to formally assemble the Thunderbolts and guide them toward their mission, likely as part of some larger, more covert government operation.
5. Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko)
Taskmaster, who appeared as the main antagonist in Black Widow, is another potential member of the Thunderbolts. In the MCU, Taskmaster is portrayed as a formidable combatant who has the ability to mimic the fighting styles of others. This makes Taskmaster a valuable asset to the Thunderbolts, as they would need someone with such versatile combat skills. While Taskmaster’s exact future in the MCU is uncertain, their association with the Thunderbolts seems like a natural fit.
Why the Thunderbolts Are the Perfect Fit for the MCU
Now that we’ve covered some of the main players, let’s look at why the Thunderbolts are so important and how they could become the next big thing in the MCU. Here are some key factors:
1. A Fresh Take on Heroism
One of the defining characteristics of the Thunderbolts is that they’re not your typical superhero team. Unlike the Avengers, which is made up of primarily “good guys,” the Thunderbolts offer a morally ambiguous approach to heroism. Many of the team’s members have dark pasts, and they’re often forced to deal with their own inner demons as they fight for a greater cause. This complex, morally gray aspect will bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the MCU, offering a new take on what it means to be a hero.
2. A Team of Outcasts
The Thunderbolts are essentially a team of outcasts and misfits who, for various reasons, don’t fit into the more traditional superhero mold. This dynamic creates a compelling narrative about redemption, teamwork, and the potential for personal growth. Fans of the MCU will appreciate watching these characters evolve and find their place within the team, much like the Guardians of the Galaxy did in their respective films.
3. The Next Generation of Anti-Heroes
In a post-Endgame MCU, the Thunderbolts represent the next generation of anti-heroes who are stepping into the spotlight. With the departure of key characters like Iron Man and Captain America, Marvel Studios is shifting its focus toward more complex, nuanced characters who don’t fit neatly into the “hero” category. The Thunderbolts’ exploration of moral ambiguity makes them perfect candidates for this new era of storytelling in the MCU.
4. Strong Ties to the MCU’s Larger Narrative
The Thunderbolts’ introduction fits seamlessly into the MCU’s ongoing narrative. The team is set to play a significant role in the next few phases, particularly as Marvel expands into darker and more complex territory with films like Secret Invasion, Armor Wars, and The Thunderbolts. The team’s connection to past MCU events—such as Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Civil War—gives them a well-established presence within the franchise, ensuring that their appearance feels earned and deeply connected to the MCU’s larger story arc.
The Future of the Thunderbolts in the MCU
With Marvel’s Thunderbolts movie officially in development, it’s clear that the team will be a significant part of the MCU moving forward. As we see the MCU transition into Phase 5 and beyond, the Thunderbolts could play an essential role in the larger storylines. Whether they’re fighting against external threats or navigating their own moral dilemmas, this team promises to bring exciting new dynamics to the MCU. Fans should be prepared for a new chapter in superhero storytelling, one that offers depth, complexity, and a sense of unpredictability that has yet to be fully explored in the MCU.
Conclusion
The Thunderbolts have the potential to be the next big thing in the MCU, offering a unique and compelling narrative that delves into redemption, moral complexity, and the gray areas of heroism. With a diverse team of characters—ranging from former villains to morally ambiguous figures—the Thunderbolts are poised to bring something fresh and exciting to the MCU. As we look ahead to their debut, the Thunderbolts could be the catalyst for a whole new era of storytelling in Marvel’s cinematic universe, one that challenges traditional heroism and explores the complex nature of redemption.
As Marvel fans eagerly await more details about the Thunderbolts film and its team members, one thing is clear: the Thunderbolts are ready to take center stage, and they could be the next big force to reckon with in the MCU.