Could Thunderbolts Replace the Avengers in the MCU? Find Out Now!

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It’s evident that Marvel’s Thunderbolts is taking on hero duties because the Avengers are unavailable at the moment. However, there are strong indications that some of these characters might eventually become official Avengers towards the end of the Multiverse Saga. In essence, Thunderbolts could be serving as a substitute for an Avengers film that was initially planned during Phase Four or Five of the MCU. Marvel hasn’t used the Avengers title since Endgame, but Thunderbolts offers a similar wide range of crossover characters. Fans will only know if the Thunderbolts are capable of replacing the Avengers once the movie is released, but this strategy seems like a clever move to fill in for the heroic team in the meantime.

The Thunderbolts are a diverse ensemble of characters with intricate personalities, hailing from various points across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They include Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, and Taskmaster, who originate from “Black Widow”; Bucky Barnes and John Walker, who are associated with “Captain America”; and Ava Starr, alias Ghost, who was introduced in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” back in 2018. Remarkably, these characters have been present longer than the original Avengers were when they united in 2012, having roots spread across different parts of the MCU. Although the crossover might not seem as epic at first glance, it’s equally ambitious upon reflection.

In comparison to the Infinity Saga Avengers, this upcoming movie seems to lack overwhelming superpowers, but it appears that the new character, Bob Reynolds (also known as Sentry), will make up for that. The Thunderbolts trailer hinted that they aren’t the strongest characters in the franchise; instead, they “just punch and shoot.” However, the true power of the Thunderbolts is more complex than that. It’s important to mention that a superhero crossover isn’t just about raw strength; this team is banding together due to an impending fight that seems impossible to win. They’ll have to put aside their individual goals and compromise their principles in order to work effectively together, but even then, it might not be enough. This sounds very much like a typical Avengers team-up.

Switching the well-known “Avengers” series for a fresh, cross-over plot featuring lesser-known characters appears to be an extraordinarily smart decision for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This change could breathe new life into the franchise without retracing old steps or undermining the ongoing narrative. It underscores that these stories aren’t solely dependent on specific characters, the actors who portray them, or any other unique aspects of past films. Rather, there’s a universal appeal to superhero tales that captivates audiences.

In-World Avengers

It’s evident that the Thunderbolts will likely assume the role of “the new Avengers” as suggested by the movie plot. In February, Marvel unveiled a poster clarifying the asterisk in the film’s “The Avengers Are Not Available.” Essentially, this means these characters are taking on tasks that were previously thought to be exclusive to the Avengers. If they succeed, they could very well become strong candidates for membership in the team.

There are numerous intriguing fan speculations about how the story might unfold in Avengers: Doomsday, and these hypotheses are continually changing now that the movie has been released to a wider audience. While we don’t want to reveal any spoilers, it’s worth noting that most of the Thunderbolts have officially been confirmed for the cast of the film – Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Yelena Belova, Sentry, Red Guardian, and Ghost. The only character missing is Taskmaster, which leads us to believe that the Thunderbolts might be integrated into the new Avengers team entirely.

In contrast, at the conclusion of “Thunderbolts”, it’s plausible that this team could become self-reliant. If Sentry were to join them, as some speculate, he would significantly enhance their collective superpowers. Additionally, they benefit uniquely from Ghost’s phase-shifting prowess, and they count three individuals who have been enhanced by a variant of Captain America’s Super-Soldier Serum. Moreover, there’s an intriguing fan speculation suggesting Yelena might undergo a significant power upgrade, potentially elevating her to the uppermost tier of Marvel Cinematic Universe power sets.

From a storytelling perspective, it seems out of character for the Thunderbolts to seamlessly integrate with the Avengers and follow their lead. The essence of this unconventional group lies in their status as misfits, unsuited for the limelight and public image management. A world-saving mission might start a transformation, but it wouldn’t wipe away their pasts or grant them instant redemption. If there is any change in their standing, they would likely take pride in earning that redemption themselves and establish their credibility independently, rather than relying on the Avengers’ reputation.

In essence, the Thunderbolts seem like an apt substitute for the Avengers, given their initial portrayal – a group of exceptional individuals who prefer autonomy over orders from above, believing they can do the greatest good on their own. This shift could bring a fresh perspective to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it’s reminiscent of a style we last saw in Civil War.

Whatever the Thunderbolts’ legacy will be, we’ll see for ourselves soon enough.

The movie “Thunderbolts” is currently playing in theaters, and from here, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will rush headlong into Phase Six. You have the opportunity to get up-to-date with all the franchise’s films by streaming them on Disney+ right now.

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2025-05-02 00:17