Thunderbolts* Power Rankings: Which New MCU Hero Crushes the Competition?

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Summary

  • Thunderbolts* introduces a diverse cast of heroes, anti-heroes, and villains for a new Avengers team.
  • Characters like Ava, Alexei, and Yelena struggle with their roles and traumas, adding depth to the team.
  • Bob, as Sentry/Void, emerges as the strongest character with godlike powers but struggles to control them.

Following the finale of “Avengers: Endgame,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe has faced difficulties in assembling a team equivalent to the Avengers, or finding an adversary that unites heroes effectively. There have been several false leads such as Kang the Conqueror, who might resurface in some form at a later time. However, with the upcoming releases of “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts,” there appears to be a promising trajectory once more.

*Note: The bolded title is “Thunderbolts.”

After “Avengers: Endgame,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe had trouble finding a replacement for the Avengers or an enemy for heroes to unite against. Dead ends like Kang the Conqueror may return later, but with “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts,” there seems to be a clear direction again.

As a die-hard film buff, I can’t help but feel a thrill running down my spine as whispers of a fresh Avengers lineup emerge from behind the cinematic curtain. The cast for the upcoming Thunderbolts project is shaping up to be quite intriguing, boasting some heavyweight contenders who could potentially lead the next wave of Marvel heroes – or perhaps their roles might unfold in a way that takes us all by surprise!

One thing’s for sure: this ensemble will be ranked according to their power levels once the movie hits our screens. Will these characters prove to be the new champions we’ve been waiting for, or will they shake up the established Marvel Universe in unexpected ways? The anticipation is killing me!

Spoilers Ahead for Marvel’s Thunderbolts*

6. Ava Starr (Ghost)

A Ghost In The Machine

So far, Ava hasn’t made a significant impact in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since her role as the complex antagonist in “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” It appears that she has been collaborating with Valentina on covert operations, but this aspect of her character hasn’t been delved into deeply within the MCU so far. Ava possesses exceptional skills in weaponry handling and can briefly pass through existence, a feat she claims lasts no more than a minute at most.

As a cinephile, I must confess that Ava’s abilities make her an unparalleled master of stealth, granting her access to exclusive locales that would otherwise remain off-limits. However, the plot twist in Thunderbolts* exposes a chink in her armor: her Ghost suit technology is susceptible to sound disruptions, a vulnerability that is exploited frequently throughout the film. This secret weakness, if exposed, could prove detrimental for any super-powered individual, making Ava’s character ripe for manipulation by cunning adversaries.

5. Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian)

He Wants Fame So Bad

In Thunderbolts, much like his character in Black Widow, Alexei finds himself past his prime. After fleeing Russia, his life in the U.S. took a turn for the worse, leading him to become a limo driver. Consequently, he’s not exactly in tip-top shape within Thunderbolts, but a later time jump indicates that he’s shed some pounds.

Similar to Captain America, Alexei boasts extraordinary power and endurance, capable of shattering concrete or exhibiting gentleness when needed. However, due to his somewhat clumsy nature, he struggles with finesse in his movements. Furthermore, he doesn’t get as much screen time compared to other heroes in the movie, entering midway through the storyline. Nevertheless, what sets Alexei apart from all other characters is his heart. His longing to be a part of a team once more, despite questionable motives, is evident. More importantly, he genuinely aims to assist people in need.

4. John Walker (U.S. Agent)

A Troubled Captain America

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, John Walker and Sam Wilson share many similarities. Originally, Sam was chosen by Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, to take over the role, but he initially declined. He found it acceptable for the government to select Walker as Steve’s official successor, since Walker received a replica super soldier serum and actually desired the position. However, Walker faced difficulties in being accepted as Captain America due to his anger problems, which eventually resulted in him losing the title.

It was then that Valentina took him under her wing, transforming him into an unofficial U.S. Agent, a version of Captain America. This only served to reinforce Walker’s misguided belief that he was still indispensable. Just like other characters in the film, he was subtly controlled to maintain his self-confidence. Despite this manipulation, Walker retains considerable power due to his physical strength, shield, jumping prowess, and endurance. However, therapy would help him develop more heroic traits, a process that begins, albeit gradually, throughout the movie.

3. Yelena Belova (Black Widow)

Strong Of Body, Strong Of Heart

Yelena, much like her foster sister, Natasha Romanoff, faces challenges in stepping into the role of a celebrated hero. Despite possessing the necessary abilities, she grapples emotionally with Natasha’s passing and finds it difficult to be on her own. For Valentina, each task becomes another gritty assignment, devoid of the public acclaim that Natasha enjoyed as part of the Avengers squad.

Similar to Ava, Yelena is an accomplished weapons specialist and carries a handy stunner for subduing adversaries. Her speed and agility allow her to leap over or slide under objects in the blink of an eye. Yelena’s proficiency lies in detecting trauma, a skill that enables her to empathize with Bob. Though she may appear cynical at times, Yelena chooses to listen rather than immediately coming across as harsh or aloof.

2. Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier)

A Senator And A Cyborg Terror

Bucky, one of the most captivating characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, truly shines, particularly when he takes on the role of the primary adversary in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier“. Injected with the initial super soldier serum, much like Steve Rogers, Bucky’s strength was amplified. Instead of wielding a iconic shield, however, he is equipped with a cybernetic arm. This mechanical limb not only enhances his physical prowess above that of Walker, but it also enables him to deliver stronger punches and deflect certain attacks, including massive slabs of concrete.

Apart from being strong, Bucky excels in handling various weapons and explosives too. One of the standout scenes showcasing this skill is his motorcycle action sequence, which ranks among the finest vehicle-related moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far. It was clear to many MCU fans that his Senate position wasn’t a good fit for him, given how it unfolded.

1. Robert Reynolds (Sentry/Void)

Embrace Darkness

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s film Thunderbolts, there’s no question that Robert, often referred to as Bob in the movie, stands tall as the most robust character. He even ranks among the strongest characters within the MCU thus far. Interestingly, Robert was inducted into Valentine’s organization long ago, during Project Sentry which eventually got shut down. However, what Valentine didn’t realize is that Robert is the sole survivor of the project, and he emerged victorious.

Bob possesses extraordinary abilities, such as flight, invulnerability, telepathy, and immense physical strength, making him a formidable figure akin to a god. However, he has a dark side known as Void, which is far more potent and can eliminate anyone in its shadow, causing intense distress. This power ranks among the most chilling displayed so far, comparable to Thanos erasing half the population from existence. Unfortunately, Bob struggles to manage these powers effectively, but their raw might remains unparalleled.

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2025-05-03 09:24