MCU Shakeup: Thunderbolts Introduces Competing Avengers Teams

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The Multiversal Saga encompasses numerous films and series, some more successful than others. Although each tale adheres strictly to the storyline rules of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), many recent Marvel Studios productions seem disconnected from other narratives. However, the upcoming film “Thunderbolts” skillfully combines its objectives by presenting a standalone plot that makes perfect sense while also preparing for future collaborations and significantly altering the established status quo within the MCU. Consequently, “Thunderbolts” adds significant value to the MCU canon, with implications beyond just its title characters, as it sets up future events and directly references movies scheduled for release.

*Note: Thunderbolts is a fictional Marvel Comics supervillain team that is expected to appear in an upcoming Marvel Studios film or series.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Thunderbolts*

In the heart of the story of Thunderbolts, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is embroiled in a secret mission to manufacture a superhero through Operation Sentry. This operation, with its unlawful human trials, was previously overseen by Valentina at the dubious corporation OXE before her ascension to the position of CIA Director. When Congress launches an inquiry into her activities, Valentina resorts to destroying all traces of Project Sentry by ordering her black ops agents to eliminate one another. Initially bound together by Valentina’s machinations, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) team up to evade danger, unintentionally coming across Bob Reynolds (Lewis Pullman), the lone remaining subject of Project Sentry who exhibits instability.

Through Valentina’s formula, Bob has immense power, yet his shattered mind results in two distinct identities: the altruistic Sentry and the chaotic, ruinous Void. Attempting to present Sentry publicly, Valentina unwittingly triggers the Void’s rampage across New York City. A motley crew, initially called “Thunderbolts” by Yelena in jest, unite with Bucky Barnes (portrayed by Sebastian Stan) and Red Guardian (David Harbour). Their goal is to rescue Bob, suppress the Void, and avert a disaster that could rival an Avengers event. In this mission, they transform into unlikely MCU champions.

The MCU Has Two Avengers Teams

One significant development arising from the events depicted in Thunderbolts is the emergence of two distinct Avengers groups within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). For instance, the public’s enthusiastic response to Yelena’s team following their rescue mission for civilians trapped in the Void prompts Valentina to make a clever political move. She organizes a press conference, reworks the storyline, and announces the former Thunderbolts as the New Avengers – a team she claims to have assembled herself. This name change rescues Valentina from the looming congressional inquiry and offers the team members an opportunity for honest heroism while providing them with a fresh start.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly following the progression of Sam Wilson, our current Captain America. The intriguing post-credits scene in *Thunderbolts* unfolds 14 months after the main events, showcasing Sam actively assembling his own Avengers squad and even considering legal action against Valentina’s team for trademark violation. Interestingly, while Valentina’s New Avengers enjoy government backing and operate from the revamped Avengers Tower – now known as the Watchtower – they grapple with public suspicion due to their checkered pasts. This tension between two different Avengers groups, each with its unique history, sets the stage for an intense conflict in *Avengers: Doomsday*. It seems that Bucky’s unique ties to both factions might be instrumental in bridging gaps and uniting them against a common, potentially catastrophic threat.

There’s Something Shady Going on in Outer Space

In the final moments of Thunderbolts, there are hints that cosmic turmoil may be on the horizon. In this scene, Yelena voices her annoyance about vital details concerning a crisis in deep space being kept secret from the New Avengers. Given their contentious reputation and the probable unwillingness of organizations like S.A.B.E.R. to fully trust them, this isn’t too unexpected. However, a casual remark implies significant events taking place beyond our planet, likely tied to the multiverse-related threats and Incursions predicted to be pivotal in Avengers: Doomsday. The fact that information is being withheld suggests the situation is severe and possibly being managed by other parties, which could lead the New Avengers (and Sam’s Avengers) to eventually become embroiled as threats intensify.

The Fantastic Four Left Their World and Came to the Sacred Timeline

The final post-credits scene of “Thunderbolts” seems to hint directly at an upcoming MCU project. From the Watchtower, the New Avengers keep watch for potential dangers when they suddenly detect an extradimensional ship approaching Earth. A closer look at the satellite imagery shows the ship sporting the distinct emblem of the Fantastic Four. This sighting suggests that Marvel’s original team will make their entrance into the established timeline, following the release of their upcoming film, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

It seems that the storyline in “First Steps,” set in an alternate, futuristic-retro universe, might conclude with the protagonists having to leave their dimension. This could be due to a loss against Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), interference from Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.), or a choice to alert other dimensions about Incursions. However, the exact reason is yet unknown. What’s certain is that their arrival makes the New Avengers the probable initial contact, thus placing Yelena’s team right in the heart of the events leading up to “Avengers: Doomsday.

1. Thunderbolts has been released in cinemas.
2. The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be screened in theatres starting from July 25th.

These versions maintain the original meaning while using more natural and easy-to-read language.

What are your thoughts on how the new team of Avengers might shape the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the coming days? Feel free to express your ideas and theories in the comment section below!

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2025-05-06 04:10