Thunderbolts: The new Avengers supervillains?

The new Thunderbolts trailer is out, with a brand new team

The brand-new trailer for Thunderbolts has been released, much to the surprise of fans of the Marvel franchise. Heralded as one of the most eagerly-awaited films of the next phase of the MCU, the unveiled Thunderbolts trailer plunges us into the heart of a team of iconic super-villains and anti-heroes from the Marvel universe. These characters, known for their dangerousness, must join forces on a risky mission still unknown to the general public. The film, due for release on April 30, 2025, promises a captivating mix of action and suspense, while featuring figures such as Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes.

Who are the Thunderbolts in the trailer ?

The trailer finally confirms the composition of the Thunderbolts team, a group of characters we've come across many times before in other Marvel series and films. This time, however, they are not classic protagonists but rather anti-heroes or former enemies. Here are the key members of the Thunderbolts in the film:

• • Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) : The “new” Black Widow, who made her debut in the film Black Widow and in Hawkeye. Her motivations remain a mystery, but her charisma and skills are undeniable.
• • Bucky Barnes, alias le Soldat de l’Hiver (Sebastian Stan) : The MCU veteran in search of redemption after a past marked by manipulation and violence.
• • John Walker, aka U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell) : Former Captain America surrogate, fallen from grace after tipping over into the extreme. His place in the team could be a source of conflict.
• • Red Guardian (David Harbour) : The Russian super-soldier, exuberant and eager to prove his worth. He's sure to bring a touch of humor to this dysfunctional team.
• • Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) : A master imitator of fighting techniques, first seen in Black Widow, she's a quiet but formidable force.
• • Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) : Able to become intangible, this former Ant-Man enemy brings unique and unexpected skills to the team.

These characters are not your typical heroes. They all have long pasts and different motivations. What makes the Thunderbolts concept fascinating is that this team is made up of marginalized figures, Marvel's “outcasts” who, although powerful, don't fit into traditional teams like the Avengers, just like the Suicide Squad in the DC Universe. 

What will Thunderbolts be about ?

Beyond the spectacular action scenes we're used to seeing, the film promises to delve deeper into the tormented psychology of these characters, notably with the introduction of Sentry, an unstable superhero who can turn into a formidable enemy.

The complex relationships between the protagonists, such as the father-daughter duo formed by Red Guardian and Yelena, will bring an emotional dimension to the plot. Drawing on the rich history of the comics, Thunderbolts looks set to reflect on redemption and the nature of heroism, while entertaining audiences with its share of plot twists and betrayals. The film promises to be much more than a simple action blockbuster.

The film's trailer is still unclear, but we understand that the team will be led by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), first seen in the series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. She made a brief appearance in the Hawkeye series and seems to be playing an increasingly important role, notably as part of the Thunderbolts.

The group will be tasked with a secret mission, possibly to combat a threat too sensitive or politically incorrect to be dealt with by the Avengers. We can also assume that the film will explore the internal tensions within the group, each with their own worldview and traumas to deal with. The trailer highlights several battle scenes, but also more intimate moments, hinting at potential internal conflicts.

Who is Bob in Thunderbolts?

One of the surprises of the trailer is the entrance of Bob, also known as Sentry, an unexpected character for those unfamiliar with the comics. In the comics, Bob is a HYDRA agent, often associated with Deadpool. He's a bumbling comic character who adds a touch of offbeat humor.

Although his role in the film is not yet entirely clear, his inclusion in Thunderbolts could well offer some light moments (as light as his name) in what promises to be a dark and intense story. He could serve as a quirky character or comic support, providing a counterpoint to the team's tensions.

The original Thunderbolts team in the comics

In comics, the Thunderbolts are traditionally a team of supervillains or former criminals who band together under the banner of the government or under the leadership of dubious figures such as Baron Zemo. The team is often made up of characters seeking redemption, or at least rehabilitation. Notable members of the print version include :

1. 1. Baron Zemo (emblematic team leader on several occasions)
2. 2. Songbird
3. 3. Venom
4. 4. Moonstone
5. 5. Bullseye 

The film draws on the tradition of the Thunderbolts, a group created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley in 1997, in which characters with ambiguous motivations band together in ill-fated fashion. The film seems to adapt these iconic figures while integrating narrative elements specific to the Marvel universe. Characters such as Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine are presented in roles that reflect this moral duality, promising a captivating exploration of themes of redemption and betrayal.

Who plays Ghost Rider in Thunderbolts?

Rumors have long circulated about Ghost Rider's appearance in the MCU, and some fans were hoping to see him in the Thunderbolts movie. However, according to the trailer and current information, Ghost Rider is not part of this film. No actor has been cast to play the famous flame-headed anti-hero. However, this doesn't mean that Ghost Rider won't be part of future Marvel productions. There are many indications that the character could be introduced at a later date, possibly in another Marvel production focusing on the supernatural.

Who bought the Avenger Tower ?

In the movie Thunderbolts, a key scene catches fans' attention: the Avengers Tower, once a symbol of the power and unity of Earth's mightiest heroes, reappears in the background. But the big question remains: who bought the Avengers Tower ? Since Tony Stark sold it in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Marvel has never revealed the identity of the new owner. On the Internet, several rumors are circulating around this mysterious purchase.

Some speculate that the tower has been bought by Wilson Fisk, aka the Kingpin, who could make it the headquarters of his criminal empire in the MCU, an idea reinforced by Fisk's return in the Hawkeye series. Other popular theories mention Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four, who would have acquired the tower to turn it into the future Baxter Building, headquarters of the heroes. Finally, an even more exciting rumor points to Kang the Conqueror, Phase 5's major new antagonist, who could use the tower for his plans for temporal domination. The truth is yet to be discovered, but this Tower intrigue fuels fans' expectations with every appearance in the MCU.

Thunderbolts are not the Avengers

With this new trailer, Thunderbolts is shaping up to be a must-see movie. This dysfunctional yet powerful team of anti-heroes promises to shake up the MCU's established foundations. The Thunderbolts are not the Avengers, and that's precisely what makes this film so intriguing. With its explosive action, internal conflicts and exploration of the darker side of its characters, Thunderbolts could well bring a new perspective to an ever-expanding Marvel universe.

The MCU continues to broaden its spectrum, introducing not only new characters but also more complex concepts around morality and redemption. If this trailer is a glimpse of what's to come, then get ready for an adventure that's both dark and captivating.

By the MySuperSuit team