Thunderbolts* Captures Marvel’s Flawed Heroes Better Than MCU Blockbusters

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Caution: Contains potential plot reveals! The latest Marvel Studios release, Thunderbolts, underscores a defining characteristic of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – complex human characters. This element has been instrumental in distinguishing Marvel from DC Comics for more than five decades and was a key factor in the MCU’s early triumphs. The most cherished Marvel heroes exhibit flaws and tragic elements, contrasting with their more powerful counterparts who rarely reach god-like status, like Superman. Marvel Studios has consistently adhered to this concept, yet Thunderbolts emphasizes it once again, perhaps intentionally as the MCU gears up for another monumental conclusion years in the making.

In “Thunderbolts,” it’s clear from the start that the principal characters are determined underdogs, as suggested by its tagline: “Not super, not heroes, but they won’t quit.” The film consistently reinforces this idea, often emphasizing that these characters are expendable and lack the prestige or charm to be front-line heroes in the public eye. However, unlike their tarnished images might suggest, we get a glimpse into their true lives, revealing the authenticity behind their questionable reputations.

From my point of view, Valentina’s story wasn’t all that different from the truth, but it was simpler for others to empathize with and even cheer for. Given our familiarity with these characters’ tales, Thunderbolts provided additional insights into their emotions and struggles. Take John Walker, for instance, whose anger struggles were vividly portrayed in real life. Even Ghost, who often comes off as cold, admitted she isn’t as heartless as she appears.

In contrast, Red Guardian’s troubles mainly stem from feelings of loneliness and relationship woes, whereas Bob grapples with mental health concerns and substance abuse issues. Their individual stories significantly revolve around Yelena Belova, who emerges as the central figure. Yelena effectively underscores the intricate links among these problems and the futility of dealing with them solo. She forms a team out of necessity rather than a desire to be a hero.

The Avengers Are Not Available

The Thunderbolts are frequently compared to the Avengers, yet it’s suggested that they will never achieve such a high standing globally. However, this comparison is deceptive since many viewers recall the initial Avengers’ team-up and can see that the Thunderbolts aren’t fundamentally inferior to the early Avengers. Although they might not have as much firepower, for the challenge they face, they are surprisingly well-suited.

In the first Avengers movie, the core team members of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were already established, with Tony Stark working amicably with S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain America being part of the agency, Black Widow and Hawkeye serving as agents. Thor joined them on his own accord, while the rest of the team was already in place. The only character they had to track down and convince to join forces with them was the Hulk, their saddest team member.

Initially, I wasn’t envisioned as a six-member squad launching head-on attacks against the Chitauri. For the majority of the film, our mission was more about outsmarting Loki to prevent him from carrying out his malicious scheme in the first place. Unfortunately, things didn’t unfold as planned, and thus, that version of events isn’t etched in people’s minds. From the public perspective, the Avengers are perceived as a team capable of withstanding an alien onslaught, and the Thunderbolts don’t fit that mold.

Luckily, they are exceptionally fitting for a clandestine mission aimed at dismantling systematic oppression against others. Their previous expertise in espionage and infiltration made them ideal candidates to tackle Valentina, and the film hinges on their conviction that others may not recognize this fact. The characters’ personal journeys align well with the narrative, as they are required to address their weaknesses in order to endure the challenges of the operation.

The Void

From a screenwriter’s point of view, the manner in which the Void was portrayed in this film seemed incredibly useful for fostering character development within the tight timeframe of 126 minutes. If you found it to be an overly convenient plot device that detracted from your viewing experience, I can understand that. However, despite potentially appearing contrived, the Void served its purpose excellently here by transforming the characters’ human experiences into a thrilling climactic sequence. Not only were they forced to grapple with their own painful pasts, but their growing camaraderie as a team empowered them to assist Bob in dealing with his personal history as well.

To delve deeper into the nuances, it’s clear that this film, along with the Marvel universe in its entirety, demonstrates its power by leaving certain matters unresolved. While The Void was sealed and Valentina was subdued, characters like Bob are not miraculously healed overnight, and even after 14 months, he appears to lack mastery over his abilities. Alexei continues to grapple with human connections, Walker is still prone to outbursts, and Ghost remains distrustful. The post-credit scene hints at further developments on both personal and cosmic scales, which is crucial for the ongoing growth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Thunderbolts* is in theaters now around the U.S.

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2025-05-11 04:55