The highly-anticipated release of Thunderbolts is drawing near, and it’s set to bring a refreshing change to the Marvel narrative style and tone, reminiscent of the unique vibe introduced by Guardians of the Galaxy.
It’s hard to recall a period before the introduction of “Guardians” when the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) didn’t focus much on cosmic, universal, or multiversal themes. The early phases primarily revolved around Earth-based stories like Asgard’s politics. However, since the release of James Gunn’s space-faring success in 2014, the MCU has been exploring increasingly strange and fantastical elements. Phases 4 and 5 have attempted to expand beyond the universe of Earth-616 but have mainly stagnated the traditional Marvel formula. But this might be about to change with “Thunderbolts,” as it offers a fresh perspective not just in its stylistic approach, but potentially in altering a key aspect that has remained unchanged throughout the years in the MCU.
The MCU’s Trademark Humor
In Marvel Cinatic Universe (MCU) movies, you can always expect a dose of quick-witted humor or friendly banter that ties the films together. No matter how distinct or original an MCU movie may be, this clever, humorous dialogue is consistently present. The origin of this style was Robert Downey Jr.’s comedic charm in Iron Man, but it was Joss Whedon who established this type of character exchange as a hallmark of the Marvel filmmaking approach in The Avengers.
Previously, Whedon had honed his skills in American television, leading series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” The charmingly sitcom-like character interactions seen in this show align well with Disney’s strategy of appealing to a wide range of viewers. This endearing and safe approach resonates perfectly with Disney’s goal of creating movies for the largest possible audience.
Marvel Is Going For A Darker Tone In Its Films & It’s About Time
In the 2010s, Marvel’s darker side was primarily showcased through its Netflix series. The creators of shows like “The Defenders” had more leeway to experiment with edgier storylines compared to the movies, which were tightly controlled by studio head Kevin Feige. From the promotional materials for *Thunderbolts*, it appears this new superhero team will explore a grittier narrative. However, there will still be humor and witty dialogue, as it’s an action-adventure film with comedic elements. The trailer suggests that characters such as Red Guardian and U.S. Agent will have a buddy-cop dynamic reminiscent of a road trip movie.
Instead of centering around their heroic deeds, this story places more emphasis on the characters’ imperfections. Each character can be classified as an anti-hero, having experienced a downfall at some point in their lives. The trailer showcases U.S. Agent holding a phone with an article headline “The Fall of a Hero: The John Walker Story.“. The film’s roster, the Thunderbolts, is made up of super-powered individuals who are struggling, dealing with messy and gritty lives in a world that’s constantly changing. Due to their past traumas, the humor isn’t as abundant because, from the looks of it, they’re all trying to cope and move on.
In the movie, it’s Yelena who boldly declares, “This isn’t possible. None of us are heroes.” The menacing new adversary, Sentry, in his Void form, taunts them: “You imagined yourselves as great saviors. You can’t even save yourselves.” He seems to embody the film’s central theme and the very challenge these shadowy warriors must conquer; they are as much on a mission for revenge as they are for saving the world.
In a fresh take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Thunderbolts may not be as colorless or cheesy as the Snyderverse from DC, but it could pave the way for an MCU that isn’t shy about exploring its grittier aspects. This tale is deeply grounded in the redemptive journeys of morally complex characters. If they step into leading roles within the MCU, this shift could significantly alter audience perceptions of the Marvel brand, showcasing its ability to explore the less illuminated corners of the human mind.
In the trailer for the movie, Thunderbolts*, they showcased an impressive array of seasoned A24 filmmakers – writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and composers who have contributed to the production. This montage, set to indie-film-style music, is intended to convey that the movie will offer a novel perspective on the Marvel template, demonstrating that the franchise’s creative energy remains robust. (Kevin Feige)
Read More
- Devil May Cry Netflix: Season 1 Episodes Ranked
- Mr. Ring-a-Ding: Doctor Who’s Most Memorable Villain in Years
- You’re Going to Lose It When You See the Next Love and Deepspace Banner!
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- Nine Sols: 6 Best Jin Farming Methods
- How to Get the Cataclysm Armor & Weapons in Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition
- Prestige Perks in Space Marine 2: A Grind That Could Backfire
- Get Ready for ‘Displacement’: The Brutal New Horror Game That Will Haunt Your Dreams!
- Choose Your Fate in Avowed: Lödwyn’s Ruins or Ryngrim’s Adra?
- Unlock Roslit Bay’s Bestiary: Fisch Fishing Guide
2025-04-26 17:08