Marvel’s Thunderbolts Movie Misses Out on Best Comic Lineup

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Summary

  • Marvel’s Thunderbolts* movie features MCU characters like Yelena, Bucky, and Taskmaster in a unique lineup of antiheroes and villains.
  • Daniel Way and Steve Dillon’s 2012 comic run features the best Thunderbolts team, led by Red Hulk, which consists of fan-favorite characters with unpredictable dynamics.
  • The Thunderbolts’ future in the MCU depends on the success of the upcoming movie, potentially opening doors for new lineups and storylines.

The upcoming Marvel movie titled Thunderbolts is coming to screens shortly, yet its current roster of antihero characters may not be the most iconic. Interestingly, several members are already present within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), hinting that potential sequels could bring them together. Traditionally, the Thunderbolts team is made up of antiheroes and reformed villains, although some versions have had more selfless heroes like Luke Cage in leading roles. This diversity adds an intriguing element to the team, as their contrasting personalities and methods could cause friction even among The Avengers.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), you’ll find characters like Yelena, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Red Guardian, Ghost, and Taskmaster. These individuals have been part of past Thunderbolts squads in the comics. Marvel has constructed a team using characters they’ve already introduced within their universe. The team is quite varied, consisting of smart, skilled, and even unpredictable members. However, it’s not Marvel’s most sinister version of the Thunderbolts, which is a team of antiheroes, operating without government approval, with Red Hulk leading the way.

The Best Thunderbolts Team Is A Ruthless Combination Of Marvel’s Dark Antiheroes & Villains

In 2012, Daniel Way and Steve Dillon initiated a fresh series of Thunderbolts comics where Red Hulk formed a group, comprising The Punisher, Elektra, Agent Venom, Deadpool, Red Leader (the red version of the Leader), Mercy, and Ghost Rider. This team, characterized by their exceptional skills and volatile nature, operates without the shackles of government control. With his questionable past, Red Hulk assigns missions at his discretion; nevertheless, not even his teammates fully trust him due to his history, which eventually leads to them having a say in mission selection.

Working with a group where trust seemed elusive, this particular Thunderbolts assembly was undeniably unforeseeable, as any team member could potentially be the unexpected variable at any given moment. Grim narratives unfolded with Elektra resisting the urge to kill her sibling and deceiving the group about it, only for The Punisher to catch on and carry out the deed himself. Ghost Rider led the team into the underworld, striking a bargain with Mephisto. The storyline also included lighthearted instances, such as Deadpool suggesting the team embark on a mission to abduct Ryan Reynolds.

Throughout various incarnations of the Thunderbolts, stories took unique turns. However, Red Hulk’s tenure as leader was marked by intense action and strong personalities that led to surprising outcomes for both readers and characters. The comics left fans guessing about the team’s next confrontation, their unexpected successes, or even instances of betrayal among themselves. Moreover, the roster Red Hulk assembled included beloved characters like Deadpool and The Punisher, making it arguably the most impressive Thunderbolts lineup.

Why The Thunderbolts* Movie Features A Different Lineup Of Characters Than The Comics

The upcoming movie titled “Thunderbolts” will showcase a group of antagonists from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) who have changed their ways. Notably, this is the live-action introduction of Bob, known as The Sentry, and his counterpart, The Void. Given previous missteps such as “The Eternals,” Marvel seems to be cautious about introducing new characters to the MCU. Instead, they’ve assembled a team with familiar faces from earlier films and shows. Despite introducing an unfamiliar team, Marvel is aiming for a similar response to “Guardians of the Galaxy,” where an obscure group gained widespread popularity.

There could potentially be contractual obligations hindering some characters from Red Hulk’s Thunderbolts squad, like The Punisher and Elektra, who might be committed to television productions, as hinted by Vincent D’Onofrio regarding his Wilson Fisk in “Daredevil: Born Again”. Venom would likely prove the most challenging character due to Sony owning the rights. Notably, there are numerous variations of the Thunderbolts across comics, each with distinct teams and leaders, such as Norman Osborn and Baron Zemo, which provides the team with flexibility for frequent roster changes, similar to The Avengers or X-Men.

Could The Red Hulk’s Thunderbolts From The Comics Actually Appear In A Future MCU Project?

If Thunderbolts proves popular within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it’s likely they will move forward with a sequel. This potential second installment might introduce a fresh roster of characters. Several members of the team have already made appearances in the MCU, such as Red Hulk and The Leader in Captain America: Brave New World, The Punisher in Daredevil: Born Again, and Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine. Additionally, it could provide an opportunity for Ghost Rider to make his debut within the MCU. However, Marvel might opt against a team as dark as Thunderbolts and instead concentrate on less violent antiheroes with less overtly aggressive personas.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Thunderbolts present an exclusive twist. A comic book plot had Mayor Wilson Fisk forming his own squad that incorporated Taskmaster. Since Daredevil: Born Again revolves around Fisk as Mayor, there’s a chance this could happen. However, the team’s future depends on the success at the box office. The Thunderbolts are stepping into the spotlight with much to prove, and their strongest lineup might still be in the making. Marvel is venturing into uncharted territory with a less popular team, which may pave the way for a vibrant future for the complex characters.

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2025-04-20 17:05