How MCU’s ‘Thunderbolts’ Sets Up Major Reactions from NYC Heroes to the Sentry!

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caution: This article includes spoilers for Thunderbolts! As hinted by the trailers, the climactic battle in Thunderbolts has catastrophic consequences across Manhattan, necessitating the involvement of all major Marvel Cinematic Universe characters within the city. In a departure from typical superhero movie action, the third act of Thunderbolts offers a more introspective and emotionally charged confrontation between the title team and their primary adversary. The Void, an overpowering force, cannot be stopped by brute strength alone. However, Yelena Belova and her comrades find a way to counteract it by enhancing Robert Reynolds, who ultimately conquers the Void’s darkness at the expense of his Sentry abilities.

In contrast to typical Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installments, Thunderbolts* contains fewer direct references and easter eggs, but instead, it sets up the most explicit connections to upcoming films such as Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* hints at a collaboration between the New Avengers and the Fantastic Four in Avengers: Doomsday. However, before this anticipated crossover takes place, there’s a significant event that the MCU may need to tackle in other productions first. The credits of Thunderbolts* subtly suggest this.

The Void Affected Most Of New York In Thunderbolts*

The Void Consumes Almost The Entirety Of Manhattan

Following the awakening of Sentry’s alter ego, The Void, which transforms harmless civilians into shadows, a foreboding shape of The Void is depicted enveloping Manhattan from one edge to another. While it’s unclear how far The Void extended at its maximum expansion because it had already receded by the time the Thunderbolts vanquished it, it’s clear that notable locations such as Hell’s Kitchen and the Sanctum Sanctorum were under The Void’s control.

There’s No Way Future MCU Titles Won’t Address The Void

The Void’s Temporary Effects On New York Will Be Difficult To Ignore

In the aftermath of the Void’s influence on the Thunderbolts, it seems highly unlikely that characters like Spider-Man, Daredevil, Wong, Wilson Fisk, the Punisher, Bullseye, Kate Bishop, and the Defenders would have escaped the same forced regression as Yelena Belova and her teammates. The post-credits scene of ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ hints that Doctor Strange is preoccupied elsewhere in dimensions or timelines, but all other New York-based characters should be present during the Thunderbolts’ final confrontation. While the Thunderbolts swiftly took control over the Void, it appears that the entirety of New York experienced a similar terrifying ordeal.

Title “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set on an alternate timeline, with minimal ties to the Earth-616 storyline in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Both upcoming films “Avengers: Doomsday ” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” will be juggling numerous characters and plotlines. Although the Void might not feature prominently in future MCU projects, overlooking it would seem as unusual as disregarding the aftermath of Thanos’ Snap following “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame“. The Void’s temporary control over Manhattan should at least be acknowledged in future New York-based titles like the second season of “Daredevil: Born Again” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day“.

Thunderbolts*’ Ending Could Give At Least Three Upcoming MCU Projects’ Characters A New Subplot

Thunderbolts*’ Final Battle Could Enhance Various MCU Projects’ Story

Instead of neglecting the influence of the Void on Manhattan residents, Marvel Studios might utilize the Thunderbolts’ final confrontation as an opportunity to strengthen the connections between Phase 6’s projects. If some key New York City characters were caught in the Void during that time, they may have experienced memories that could significantly alter their paths in future stories. For example, the Void might have trapped Daredevil within his recollection of Foggy Nelson’s demise, Wilson Fisk with his father, and Jessica Jones with Kilgrave.

In a new twist of events, “Spider-Man: Fresh Start”, “Daredevil: Reborn Again” season 2, and the Punisher’s standalone presentation could open with a flashback to each character’s emotional response to the Void during the “Thunderbolts” saga. This experience might subtly influence how Daredevil, Spider-Man, and the Punisher approach their upcoming battles, potentially leading to changes in their mindsets.

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2025-05-04 01:51