Thunderbolts* Revives MCU Excitement: Guardians of the Galaxy 2.0?

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The following contains major spoilers about Marvel’s Thunderbolts*.

Back then, when I first watched Iron Man in the cinema (gee, it feels like ages ago), I lingered during the credits for no particular reason – a habit I’ve had since time immemorial. When Samuel L. Jackson made his appearance as Nick Fury and introduced the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I was immediately captivated by what would later be famously known as this universe.

Since then up to now, I’ve continued to be a fan, yet I won’t hide the fact that lately, it’s been more of a habit than genuine enthusiasm. I still make an effort to catch every new release, though I wouldn’t say I’m jumping with joy at the prospect of each new one. However, thanks to *Thunderbolts*, that’s all shifting now.

*Note: Thunderbolts is a placeholder for the title of the movie or event that has rekindled the person’s interest.

The MCU Has Always Been Fun, But It Just Hasn’t Been Interesting Lately

It doesn’t take an expert to notice that, following the conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame”, something seems amiss in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Of course, there have been some stellar moments. For instance, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” delivered on all fronts as a fitting finale for the trilogy. Moreover, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” managed to tell a captivating story despite its necessity to deviate from its original plan.

I found myself really enjoying “The Marvels” and had a blast watching it. To be honest, while both films were entertaining, they didn’t offer anything groundbreaking. The endings and post-credit scenes didn’t spark much excitement for me regarding the characters or future plotlines. After finishing the story, I moved on to something else. I should also add that I thought Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Captain America was excellent and added a fresh perspective to the series.

In terms of its storyline, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania heavily revolved around the concept of the Multiverse. Even if Jonathan Majors hadn’t departed from the project, I personally found myself uninterested in this multiverse saga.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must confess that my heart skips a beat at the prospect of what’s to come in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The anticipation is palpable, and I can hardly wait to unfold the next chapter. That said, the Multiverse Saga, as a concept, doesn’t quite grab me just yet; it’s the plot that leaves me indifferent.

However, there are certain characters who have now become integral parts of this grand saga, and they have managed to pique my interest significantly. I can hardly contain my excitement to see how their stories unfold!

I have a strong affection for the Thunderbolts. They’re entertaining, thought-provoking, intricate, and utterly chaotic – much like a replacement for my all-time favorite superhero team, which shared similar dysfunctional traits.

Thunderbolts* Are The New Guardians Of The Galaxy

The Thunderbolts may appear as possible successors for the Avengers, yet they essentially function as a fresh iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy squad. Despite having distinct characters, both teams consist of troubled individuals who find solace and self-improvement in their unity. Through mutual sharing of their wounds, they start to mend them.

Experiencing the evolution of the Guardians of the Galaxy has been among the most memorable moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far. The characters seamlessly fit into the broader universe, yet their trilogy also shone as a nearly flawless standalone story. Regrettably, when it concluded, there was no more to look forward to.

However, “Thunderbolts” shares a similar structure and tone, with its core being a captivating character drama. Primarily, it revolves around Florence Pugh’s Yelena and Lewis Pullman’s Bob, although Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost is regrettably underrepresented. Nonetheless, this duo effectively fills the void left by the Guardians.

Thunderbolts Has A Post Credits Scene With A Point

Similar to how the Guardians’ storylines don’t magically resolve all issues within their films, this new movie also doesn’t heal everyone completely. Instead, it leaves room for unresolved trauma and personal growth, which is something I haven’t seen much in the MCU recently. Given that the Thunderbolts cast will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, my anticipation for that movie has significantly increased compared to a week ago.

I’m not just looking forward to the characters in the upcoming MCU; the intriguing post-credit scene in Thunderbolts hints at some engaging storylines that seem set to unfold quickly.

In more recent times, it seems as though Marvel’s post-credits scenes are less integral and more like an expected tradition. They often introduce characters or concepts that never materialize, or serve as a humorous conclusion. While I don’t object to the occasional humor, the post-credits scenes since Avengers: Endgame have mostly lacked significance.

Without giving away any surprises, the concluding part of this movie hints at what’s to come in the next one and suggests a larger, unresolved conflict that appears set to unfold across the following two Avengers movies.

The Future Of The MCU Is Interesting Again

Amongst my recent investments in a fresh set of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters and a captivating concept that ties them together, albeit potentially not on the same team, I find myself brimming with anticipation for what’s to come in the future of the MCU.

It’s quite striking to observe that after the release of Fantastic Four, both Avengers films, and the forthcoming Spider-Man movie, there isn’t much of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) left that has been revealed. It seems almost certain that there will be additional phases and expansive narratives to explore. The Russo Brothers have hinted that the upcoming Avengers films mark a start, not an end.

I can hardly wait for the tale of the Thunderbolts to unfold, as they are some of the most captivating characters we’ve seen in the MCU in a while. There’s plenty more depth to these personalities yet to be revealed, and I’m eager to see how they fit into the storyline of Doomsday. Frankly, my anticipation for Doomsday has grown significantly because of the Thunderbolts, making me look forward to it in a way I hadn’t before. So, thank you, Thunderbolts!

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2025-05-03 16:10