Thunderbolts* Twist: Marvel’s Movie Isn’t Really Thunderbolts—And The Asterisk Is Just The Start

The latest release from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thunderbolts*, has been warmly received by audiences, but it’s lately faced criticism for straying further than expected from the Thunderbolts comic book narrative. While there were some nods to the original Thunderbolts series in Thunderbolts*, the film predominantly told a self-contained story centered around themes of community and mental health, making it a unique Marvel production. The thoughtful exploration of these themes was highly appreciated by viewers, but certain aspects of this narrative could lead to questions about the movie’s authenticity as a Thunderbolts film.

In the concluding part of the movie “Thunderbolts”, the team’s role becomes crucial in Marvel’s impending storyline. They are poised to become the next pivotal group responsible for safeguarding the universe. The post-credit sequences from “Thunderbolts” hint at collaborations with characters from the Fantastic Four, who have recently entered their world. Instead of a sequel titled “Thunderbolts 2”, it seems that the narrative of the Multiverse Saga will unfold directly from these events, making this film an indispensable view before “Avengers: Doomsday”.

Marvel Totally Changed The Origin Of The Thunderbolts Team Name

The Team Was Supposed To Be Named After Thunderbolt Ross

In 1997, the Thunderbolts first appeared in the comics as a band of villains put together by Baron Zemo. The team’s moniker was suggested by Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, the Red Hulk, giving them a more credible image to the American public. Although Ross is currently imprisoned on the Raft, the relevance behind the name would be clear given the team’s associations with Val and the U.S. government. It seems odd that these aspects were overlooked.

Instead of taking inspiration from a disgraced president’s past, the team derived their name from Yelena’s peewee soccer team, the West Chesapeake Bay Thunderbolts, which was a significant change in the origin of the team’s name. Coach Red Guardian led the team while they lived as undercover spies, aligning with the film’s themes of found family. Surprisingly, the comic book origins of the team were not acknowledged in this new movie adaptation.

The Thunderbolts* Ending Reveals It Was Actually A New Avengers Movie

The Film’s Asterisk Referred To The Team’s Name Changing

As a die-hard movie buff, I’ve got to say, the mystery surrounding the *Thunderbolts* asterisk was finally unraveled! What seemed like a Thunderbolts movie all along turned out to be something different in the film’s climax. Instead, a title card popped up revealing that this team is none other than the New Avengers – a revelation that completely alters the film’s narrative.

Even though it sets up an intriguing premise for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday sequel, I must admit it felt somewhat abrupt and peculiar to see this new team donning the New Avengers mantle instead of the Thunderbolts. However, this transformation sheds light on the film’s intentions and the team’s role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

In the movie, the characters portrayed weren’t typical villains; instead, they were individuals who were either manipulated or who had erred, seeking redemption. Unlike in the comics, Zemo didn’t expose the Thunderbolts as the Masters of Evil in disguise. The film’s New Avengers team was composed of entirely distinct characters, not Beetle and Goliath as seen in the original Thunderbolts. Essentially, the movie had minimal connection to the actual Thunderbolts team.

Marvel Should Make A Proper Thunderbolts Movie

Real Villains And The Masters Of Evil Would Be Fun To See

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), some established characters from the Thunderbolts comic series are already present, and it would be intriguing to see them in action in a genuine Thunderbolts movie. The character of Baron Zemo was absent from the latest film, but his role in assembling a new team could be quite thrilling. Characters like Abomination and Red Hulk have previously been part of the comics’ team, and it’s possible that either or both could be included in this movie’s lineup. By following this approach to create an authentic Thunderbolts film, the franchise would have an opportunity to spin a distinct tale about notorious villains.

The latest MCU film titled “Thunderbolts” is fantastic, yet it deviates from the traditional concept of a Thunderbolts movie. Watching a band of true villains unite promises an entertaining spectacle. The sheer chaos and thrilling mayhem that stems from their amoral perspective would be delightful to witness. By assembling a diverse cast of Marvel’s iconic rogues, and creating something reminiscent of James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad,” could pave the way for a more authentic Thunderbolts team-up movie in the future.

Although Thunderbolts* has been a massive hit for Marvel, it doesn’t strictly follow the Thunderbolts storyline. Instead, this team lays the groundwork for the future Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars films. Facing off against Doctor Doom’s daunting power is an intimidating and unsettling thought, but it looks like these Thunderbolts are on a collision course with him. With a bit of fortune and strategic partnerships, they could possibly survive the ordeal.

2025-05-04 05:25