Marvel Studios continues to expand its cinematic universe (MCU) with new characters and team-ups, and one of the most anticipated projects in this ever-growing list is the Thunderbolts. Known for their darker, more morally ambiguous nature, the Thunderbolts are a unique addition to the world of Marvel’s superheroes. The question that many fans are asking: Who are the Thunderbolts, and what role will they play in the MCU? In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Thunderbolts MCU hero, including their history, key members, and how they fit into the broader Marvel All Superheroes List.
The Origin of Thunderbolts in Marvel Comics
The Thunderbolts first appeared in Incredible Hulk #449 in 1997, created by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley. Unlike other superhero teams like the Avengers or X-Men, the Thunderbolts were initially composed of supervillains masquerading as heroes. Their leader, Baron Zemo, who many will remember from the Captain America: Civil War film, assembled this team for his own devious purposes. However, as the story unfolded, some members began to embrace the role of heroes, leading to internal conflict and character development that set them apart from traditional superhero teams.
Over the years, the lineup of the Thunderbolts has evolved, featuring various anti-heroes, former villains, and even some reformed characters from the Marvel All Superheroes List. This evolution is what makes the Thunderbolts so fascinating—they embody the gray area between good and evil in the MCU.
Key Members of the Thunderbolts
With the MCU introducing the Thunderbolts, fans are eager to know which characters will be included in the team. Based on the current trajectory of Marvel films and Disney+ series, several key members are likely to appear in the Thunderbolts MCU project:
- Baron Zemo (Helmut Zemo)
Last seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Baron Zemo is the mastermind behind the original Thunderbolts in the comics. His deep hatred for super-powered individuals and his cunning strategies make him a pivotal character. Zemo’s ability to manipulate situations to his advantage positions him as a potential leader for the MCU’s version of the team. - Yelena Belova (Black Widow)
Introduced in the Black Widow film and reappearing in Hawkeye, Yelena is poised to be a major player in the Thunderbolts. With Natasha Romanoff’s death in Avengers: Endgame, Yelena steps into the Black Widow mantle, but her journey is far from straightforward. Her skills as an assassin and her personal ties to other MCU heroes make her a strong candidate for the team. - John Walker (US Agent)
After being stripped of his Captain America title in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, John Walker was recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (a character who has been likened to Nick Fury but for anti-heroes). With his enhanced strength and combat skills, Walker brings a more violent, unpredictable element to the team. - Taskmaster
Introduced in the Black Widow film, Taskmaster is a formidable fighter with the ability to mimic the fighting styles of any opponent. This unique skill set would be invaluable to the Thunderbolts, especially in missions where they must take on other superheroes. - Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier)
Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, has had one of the most complex journeys in the MCU. From villain to hero, Bucky’s dark past makes him a prime candidate for the Thunderbolts. He has worked alongside Zemo and has the necessary skill set and mental baggage to fit right into the morally ambiguous world of the Thunderbolts. - Abomination (Emil Blonsky)
Last seen in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Abomination has been a recurring character in the MCU. His monstrous strength and willingness to fight for survival make him a perfect addition to this team of anti-heroes. - Ghost (Ava Starr)
First introduced in Ant-Man and The Wasp, Ghost has the power to phase through solid objects. Her tragic backstory and need for redemption make her a strong candidate for the Thunderbolts team in the MCU. Her unique abilities add an interesting dynamic to the group’s skill set.
How the Thunderbolts Fit into the MCU
The Thunderbolts are a significant departure from the typical superhero teams we’ve seen in the MCU. Where the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy are driven by noble causes, the Thunderbolts often operate in the gray areas of morality. They are a team of anti-heroes—individuals with their own agendas, who sometimes do the right thing but often for the wrong reasons.
The Thunderbolts also represent a response to the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. As the MCU continues to explore the world after the blip and the loss of key heroes like Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, a power vacuum has emerged. Governments and shadowy figures like Valentina Allegra de Fontaine are looking to fill that vacuum with their own controlled teams, and the Thunderbolts could very well be the MCU’s answer to the Suicide Squad.
The Thunderbolts and the Multiverse
With the MCU diving deep into the multiverse concept through films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home, it’s possible that the Thunderbolts could also play a role in multiversal conflicts. The introduction of alternate realities and timelines opens the door for a variety of Thunderbolts iterations. We may see alternate versions of characters or even the recruitment of individuals from different universes to fight in the MCU’s growing roster of threats.
Potential Storylines for Thunderbolts in the MCU
There are a few possible storylines that Marvel could explore with the Thunderbolts:
- Redemption Arcs
One of the central themes of the Thunderbolts in the comics is redemption. Many of the members are former villains trying to prove they can be heroes. The MCU could explore these characters’ struggles with their past actions and their attempts to find a place in a world dominated by Avengers. - Government-Controlled Heroes
In a post-Endgame world, there’s been a growing concern about unchecked superhuman power. The Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War were just the beginning. The Thunderbolts could be presented as a government-controlled alternative to the Avengers, giving those in power more control over superpowered individuals. - Taking Down the Avengers
With a team composed of individuals who have crossed paths with various Avengers, the Thunderbolts could be tasked with taking down rogue Avengers or handling threats that the government sees as too dangerous for other heroes to handle. - Multiverse Threats
The Thunderbolts may be called upon to handle threats from the multiverse, given the MCU’s recent focus on alternate realities. This could include facing off against versions of the Avengers from other universes or dealing with villains that pose a risk to the fabric of reality itself.
FAQs
1. Who are the Thunderbolts in the MCU?
The Thunderbolts are a team of anti-heroes and former villains in the MCU, tasked with handling dangerous missions that others can’t or won’t take on.
2. Which characters are part of the Thunderbolts in the MCU?
Key members of the MCU’s Thunderbolts may include Baron Zemo, Yelena Belova, John Walker (US Agent), Taskmaster, Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier), Abomination, and Ghost.
3. What makes the Thunderbolts different from the Avengers?
Unlike the Avengers, the Thunderbolts are more morally ambiguous. They often operate in gray areas, making difficult choices that heroes like the Avengers would avoid.
4. Will the Thunderbolts appear in the MCU’s Phase 5?
Yes, the Thunderbolts are expected to be part of Marvel’s Phase 5 or later, with hints in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and other recent MCU projects.
5. How do the Thunderbolts fit into the Marvel Multiverse?
The Thunderbolts could potentially deal with multiverse threats, given the MCU’s growing exploration of alternate realities. They may face off against heroes or villains from different universes.
