You Won't Believe What Thunderbolts* Did to Change the MCU Forever!

Summary

A diverse cast includes villains and heroes who save NYC from Sentry, culminating in a darker, refreshing Marvel film.
Taskmaster’s brief appearance shockingly ends early due to deceptive marketing, setting a somber tone for Thunderbolts*.
Thunderbolts* showcases the emotional struggles of each anti-hero and villain, focusing on self-worth, mental health, and defeating Void through care and friendship.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I’m beyond excited to share that Marvel Studios is wrapping up Phase Five with an electrifying twist: it’s none other than Thunderbolts, the first crossover movie since the epic Avengers: Endgame. Unlike your typical superhero crew, this time we’ve got a motley band of former villains and anti-heroes who need to put their past squabbles aside to not only save themselves but also protect the world from an imminent danger.

Similar to previous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) collaborations, the upcoming movie Thunderbolts brings together aspects from various franchise installments, leading to a host of unforeseen twists under the guidance of director Jake Schreier. These unanticipated elements encompass plot turns within its narrative as well as consequences that will ripple through the universe, affecting not only earlier productions but also shaping future ones.

9. The Watchtower

Valentina Bought Avengers Tower

Avengers Tower was last seen in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, since Spider-Man: Homecoming, fans have been pondering who purchased Avengers Tower from Iron Man (Tony Stark). Some speculated it was either the Kingpin or a version of OsCorp from this universe. However, the reality is more unsettling as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine now uses it as her headquarters for her company OXE.

Additionally, this event plays a significant role near the culmination, as Valentina introduces her own superhero, joining forces with Sentry. In response, the Thunderbolts find themselves in a battle against him, working tirelessly to safeguard the citizens of New York City. This scene not only evokes memories of the initial Avengers, but it also underscores Valentina’s arrogant and superficial nature, manipulating anything noble and uplifting for her own gain.

8. Taskmaster’s Fate

Taskmaster Is Not Even A Thunderbolt*

Antonia Dreykov is an original take on Taskmaster specifically for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In the movie “Black Widow,” Taskmaster’s debut, which caused some stir among fans, is brief, as he appears only during the initial gathering of the main characters. Actress Olga Kurylenko, who plays the role, has a fleeting screen presence, lasting only a few seconds before she meets an untimely end at the hands of Ghost’s gunshot, an event that unfolds within the first act of the film.

The depiction of Taskmaster on posters and trailers seems like misleading advertising, much like the Hulk’s appearance in Avengers: Infinity War. While it might suggest an opportunity to develop Taskmaster as a distinctive Thunderbolts member*, it could also signal Marvel Studios writing off a less-than-impressive villain, hinting at a darker tone for the upcoming Thunderbolts movie.

*The Thunderbolts is a fictional superhero team in the Marvel Universe.

7. The Tragedy Of U.S. Agent

John Walker No Longer Has A Family

John Walker has yet to be officially labeled as the U.S. Agent on screen.

Despite John Walker, also known as the U.S. Agent, demonstrating some progress at the conclusion of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” he continues to pose challenges for those around him. His struggle is further illuminated through a flashback, revealing that his sense of loss and failure following the stripping of the Captain America role led him to confront his family harshly, due in part to his encounter with the Void.

John wasn’t just careless with his daughter; he also became aggressive towards his spouse, eventually leading to their split. Essentially, this accounts for his behavior in Thunderbolts*, initially appearing quite self-absorbed, yet beneath that selfish facade lies a damaged but essentially decent individual, much like in his first appearance where his ego serves as the tough exterior concealing a person with flaws but inherent goodness.

*Thunderbolts is a fictional superhero team in Marvel Comics.

6. Not The Typical Marvel Affair

Darker Tones And Subject Matter Make The Movie Stand Out

Moon Knight, on Disney+, also tackled mental health and trauma.

As a fan following the Marvel franchise, it’s clear that certain themes recur in every movie – lively dialogues between characters, thrilling action scenes, and humorous interludes. Yet, Director Jake Schreier deliberately sets Thunderbolts apart from typical Marvel Cinematic Universe films, while maintaining the comforting familiarity of these classic tropes.

In contrast to many previous films, the atmosphere of “Thunderbolts” is noticeably gloomier, leaning towards a thriller genre rather than the usual lighthearted superhero fare. The movie delves into heavier topics, focusing on the internal conflicts faced by characters who are more anti-heroes or villains than traditional heroes. It tackles issues like mental health and self-worth, offering thought-provoking scenes for viewers to ponder, without any interruptions from humor.

5. The Sentry Is Earth’s Mightiest Hero

Sentry Is Properly Set Up As The Newest Powerhouse

Sentry has the power of a thousand exploding suns, rivalling characters like Hulk and Captain Marvel.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Lewis Pullman enters as Bob Reynolds, a man grappling with drug addiction and a tumultuous history that was subjected to OXE’s experimentation. However, Valentina deftly exploits his circumstances, transforming him into her personal superhero, colloquially known as the Sentry. For those unfamiliar with the character, they will be taken aback by the extent of his powers.

Using his tremendous power, invincibility, and flight capability, Sentry can be likened to a Marvel version of Superman, since not a single member of the Thunderbolts* could even touch him. Even formidable super soldiers like Red Guardian and Winter Soldier were no match for him, with Valentina remarking that Sentry’s power surpasses all the Avengers combined.

4. The Void’s Rampage

The Main Villain Is Straight Out Of A Horror Movie

The Sentry and Void were created by Paul Jenkins, Jae Lee, and Rick Veitch.

Thunderbolts maintains a PG-13 rating, but it’s a significantly darker Marvel superhero movie than some might expect, especially for younger viewers. This becomes particularly apparent when the Sentry character’s ominous side, called the Void, appears and destroys New York City with a literal black hole, erasing innocent people out of existence.

In simpler terms, Bob Reynolds’ evil manifestation, The Void, exploits people’s deepest fears and past transgressions, forcing them to re-experience those traumatic moments. He achieves this by pointing his hand and projecting them into a shadowy form within their surroundings. A particularly chilling instance of this is when he ruthlessly uses this power against a child that Red Guardian rescues from debris, leaving the child trapped in reliving their painful memories.

3. How The Thunderbolts Win

Loving And Caring Is What Defeats The Void

Thunderbolts* released in theaters at the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Meanwhile, an epic confrontation unfolds in New York City as the Thunderbolts engage in a fierce struggle to safeguard the city from the onslaught of the Void. Interestingly, it’s Marvel heroes who are working tirelessly to shield civilians. However, the Thunderbolts are unable to halt the Void physically, leading instead to a mental and emotional battle taking place within the void that Bob is generating.

In contrast to the Avengers, the Thunderbolts stand out for fostering a deeper sense of camaraderie and familial bonding that ultimately feels authentic. This closeness plays a crucial role in helping the character Bob confront his past traumas and recognize his value not only to the world but also to his newfound companions. The movie’s underlying themes revolve around self-worth and devaluation, which culminate when they vanquish the Void simply by embracing Bob and offering their support.

2. The Title Is A Hint At The Future

The Thunderbolts* Are The New Avengers

All of the New Avengers are confirmed to be in Avengers: Doomsday.

In the title of Thunderbolts, there’s a notable asterisk that sparked intrigue among fans and viewers, as it might have indicated a hidden meaning. And indeed, it did. Instead of meeting her demise in the climax or going to jail, Valentina cleverly utilizes the Thunderbolts team for her advantage. She publicly announces to the world that they are the New Avengers, a team she’s secretly founded, all as a ruse to save herself.

As the end credits play, the movie title Thunderbolts transforms into The New Avengers. A series of articles flash across the screen, depicting a mixed reaction to their appointment as Earth’s guardians. Even the post-credits scene portrays them as Avengers fourteen months later, sporting new costumes, residing in the Avengers Tower, and actively protecting the world. However, critics continue to mock them despite their heroic efforts.

1. A Tease Of Something Fantastic

The Fantastic Four Are Coming To The Sacred Timeline

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the first movie in Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In the extra scene after the credits of “The New Avengers,” not only do we see the freshly formed superhero team in action, but also get a hint about future events within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A spaceship from another realm, marked with the number 4, is making its way to Earth, implying the introduction of The Fantastic Four in their upcoming film and “Avengers: Doomsday.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve pondered since the onset of marketing for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” about its setting in an alternate universe. The question of how they would transition into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) lingered in my mind. Now, with the arrival of “The New Avengers,” it’s becoming evident that their Earth and Earth-616 might intertwine. This could imply a couple of scenarios: Either they face defeat against Galactus in their reality or they possess knowledge about Doctor Doom and are alerting the Avengers to the potential threats lurking ahead.

2025-05-04 21:48

You Won’t Believe What Thunderbolts* Did to Change the MCU Forever!