Thunderbolts* Unveiled: 10 MCU Secrets You Need to Know

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As a dedicated Marvel fan, I can’t wait to see how the intricate, ethically ambiguous characters in the upcoming film “Thunderbolts” intertwine! These individuals, including Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, U.S. Agent, and Red Guardian, have all left their marks on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline. The MCU’s “Thunderbolts” promises to delve deeper into these characters’ stories, drawing from crucial character arcs and narrative threads established in previous Marvel movies.

Instead of the Avengers, who are a well-known heroic team, the Thunderbolts consist of reformed villains, former foes, and antiheroes who function in a morally ambiguous zone. This unit was hinted at during Phase 4, as different characters were either covertly enlisted or subtly guided towards government-approved missions. It appears that this concept is part of a wider U.S. strategy to deal with the aftermath of the Blip and the Avengers’ absence, as the government seeks to establish its own superpowered task force.

10. Valentina Allegra De Fontaine Is Director Of The CIA

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, Black Widow, & Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe following the events of Endgame, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has risen to prominence as a key figure behind the scenes. Skilled in manipulation and recruitment, she holds the position of CIA Director by the time of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, placing her at the heart of international power struggles involving Vibranium, intelligence agencies, and individuals with powers.

Her hiring of U.S. Agent (John Walker) and her focus on Yelena Belova suggest a larger scheme to assemble a group equipped to carry out tasks that the Avengers either couldn’t or wouldn’t do. She is cold, strategic, and willing to bend moral rules, making her a crucial figure in the creation of the Thunderbolts. Audience members should anticipate her impact shaping not just the missions the Thunderbolts embark on, but also the gray areas the team may venture into during these operations.

9. Bucky Barnes Was Pardoned And Is Now A US Congressman

Captain America: Brave New World

After the storyline of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” it’s been established that Bucky Barnes, once known as the Winter Soldier, has received a pardon for his past crimes committed under Hydra’s control. The Disney+ series delved into his journey towards redemption through therapy, justice, and self-discovery. Since then, Bucky has unexpectedly ventured into politics, and by the time he appeared in “Captain America: Brave New World,” it was evident that he was vying for a seat in the U.S. Congress.

In this new part, the character undergoes a significant change, yet it’s not devoid of conflict. With his past as a war machine and his progressing ethical standards, Bucky finds himself in an unusual predicament: straddling both policy-making and fieldwork. The trailer for Thunderbolts suggests that he continues to perform heroic acts, meaning he’ll have to juggle his political tasks with his vigilante responsibilities.

8. Yelena Belova Is Grieving The Loss Of Her Sister, Natasha Romanoff

Black Widow

In my perspective, the journey of Yelena Belova has been significantly impacted by the tragic loss of Natasha Romanoff, the one I affectionately knew as the Black Widow. As portrayed in the movie “Black Widow,” Yelena was Natasha’s adopted sister who was liberated from the Red Room’s control, briefly reconnecting with her sister before Natasha made the ultimate sacrifice in “Avengers: Endgame.” Yelena’s grief is intricate and unresolved, given she was coerced into pursuing Clint Barton – a plot point delved into in “Hawkeye.

Yelena’s emotional instability and lingering wounds from her past set her apart among the Thunderbolts. Unlike her sister, Yelena doesn’t romanticize heroism; instead, she sees spying and violence as survival techniques. Although it’s possible that she holds Natasha’s ideals close to heart, her sorrow and skepticism make her an enigma, particularly within a team setting where conflicting objectives abound. The Thunderbolts series will delve into how Yelena manages – or struggles to control – her pain.

7. Yelena Belova Works As An Operative For Val

Black Widow & Hawkeye

After the events of Black Widow, Yelena Belova has been secretly carrying out assignments as an operative under Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. These tasks often involve undercover operations and assassinations. The nature of their partnership was hinted at in the post-credits scene of Black Widow, where Valentina deceitfully persuades Yelena to aim for Clint Barton, alleging he was responsible for Natasha Romanoff’s demise. Despite having reservations about trusting Valentina, Yelena seems to acknowledge and embrace the demands of her work – along with the financial rewards it offers.

Yelena’s role as a contract killer indicates she operates beyond legal boundaries, yet within a structured framework. Given her background in high-risk black ops, it’s evident she’s been accustomed to this lifestyle when the team is formed. However, what isn’t clear is for how long she intends to remain under Val’s control, particularly after learning about the false information surrounding Natasha’s death. Yelena’s loyalty can shift, and this uncertainty could significantly impact the Thunderbolts’ internal workings.

6. Taskmaster Was Brainwashed In The Red Room

Black Widow

In the film “Black Widow”, viewers met Antonia Dreykov, more famously known as Taskmaster, a deadly assassin who can replicate any combat style. Antonia was subjected to brainwashing by her father, General Dreykov, as part of the secretive training program run by the Red Room. Much like other operatives from the Red Room, Antonia had no autonomy; her body and mind were effectively controlled through chemical mind manipulation and advanced technology.

In a different phrasing, one could say: Through neural implants, her abilities were uploaded to her, transforming her into a living weapon. By the finale of Black Widow, Natasha assisted in liberating Taskmaster from her father’s control using the antidote for Red Dust. However, her destiny remains unclear. Now, Antonia, a new member of the Thunderbolts, is striving to find her unique identity, dealing with decades of psychological wounds and manipulation she didn’t ask for. The events of her past will likely impact how she behaves within a team that leans towards moral ambiguity, and she was recently under the watchful eye of freed Black Widows.

5. Ghost Needs Quantum Energy To Become Stable

Ant-Man And The Wasp

In the movie Ant-Man and the Wasp, Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, was initially portrayed as a victim of a quantum mishap. Following her father’s unsuccessful experiment, her body became persistently unstable at the molecular level – she possesses the ability to pass through objects, but she continually endures severe pain and the risk of disintegration. The only thing maintaining her life is a protective suit engineered by SHIELD. She was deeply hopeful that quantum energy could alleviate her predicament.

Following Janet van Dyne’s return from the Quantum Realm, Ava temporarily gained quantum energy, bringing her some respite. But this solution wasn’t long-lasting; Ghost continues to require regular doses of quantum energy to maintain stability. In the final scenes of Ant-Man and the Wasp, the characters endeavored to gather quantum energy to help Ghost. However, their efforts were disrupted by the Snap, and ever since then, Ghost has been out of sight.

4. Red Guardian Was Yelena’s Father On A Long Undercover Operation

Black Widow

In “Black Widow,” the character named Alexei Shostakov, more famously known as Red Guardian, was unveiled as the Soviet Union’s equivalent of Captain America. During the 90s, he and Melina Vostokoff were dispatched to the U.S., as part of a covert operation, with Natasha and Yelena playing the roles of their children. Although the mission was a deception, Alexei truly developed affection for the girls over time.

After the mission’s completion, Alexie found himself imprisoned in Russia and largely disregarded by the government he had served. When he reconnects with Yelena at a later time, their relationship is tense but underlies a deep affection. Red Guardian is a boastful artifact of Cold War power struggles, yet his fatherly feelings are sincere. His interactions with Yelena – offering both comedic relief and emotional support – will play a crucial role in *Thunderbolts* as they adapt to working together within a team.

(*Please note: Thunderbolts is a fictional team in the Marvel Universe)

3. After Losing The Captain America Shield, John Walker Was Recruited By Val

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier

I couldn’t help but be captivated when John Walker first appeared in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” stepping into the shoes left vacant by Captain America, a role hand-selected by the U.S. government. With an impressive military background, he initially seemed to embody the ideal of our nation’s greatest hero. However, as pressure mounted, his stability crumbled, leading to a shocking, public act of violence – the brutal murder of a Flag-Smasher with Captain America’s shield. This act not only tarnished his reputation but also stripped him of the title of Captain America. It was during this darkest hour that the enigmatic Valentina Allegra de Fontaine reached out to him, perhaps offering a second chance at redemption.

Val gave him an opportunity for a do-over, this time as the U.S. Agent – a less transparent and more government-backed alternative to Captain America. Her persuasive speech implied a fresh squad was being assembled to tackle assignments that even the Avengers would shy away from. Walker agreed, driven by his desire for redemption and a sense of direction. In Thunderbolts, he’ll function as the team’s tough, militaristic enforcer. However, his unpredictability and hunger for validation might pose dangers in critical scenarios yet again.

2. Ghost Worked As A Stealth Operative For SHIELD For Many Years

Ant-Man And The Wasp

Prior to the occurrences of “Ant-Man and the Wasp”, Ava Starr served as a secretively skilled operative for SHIELD under the watchful eye of SHIELD scientist Bill Foster. Nicknamed Ghost, she utilized her exceptional ability to phase through solid matter for covert missions, making her an invaluable asset due to her stealthy and elusive nature. She could effortlessly penetrate high-security zones, collect information, and discreetly neutralize targets. However, her actions were not motivated by a sense of duty or love for her country – they were driven solely by the need to survive.

Initially, SHIELD offered treatment for Ava’s ailment in return for her service, however, following the agency’s demise during “Captain America: The Winter Soldier“, Ava found herself without assistance. This breach of trust fueled her skepticism towards institutions and intensified her distress during “Ant-Man and the Wasp“. Now, in “Thunderbolts*“, she’s being lured back into risky missions, but this time, she may be fighting more for personal reasons rather than any governmental entity.

(*Note: “Thunderbolts” is a Marvel Cinematic Universe team that has not yet been introduced in the films.)

1. The US Government Has A Long History Of Trying To Create Super-Soldiers

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier

Since Steve Rogers assumed the role of Captain America during World War II, the U.S. government has been relentlessly pursuing a way to reproduce the Super-Soldier Serum, which has resulted in ethically questionable experiments, clandestine operations, and heartbreaking setbacks throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline. Characters like Isaiah Bradley, introduced in “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” were subjected to harsh testing in the 1950s, while Bruce Banner’s Hulk transformation can be traced back to efforts to replicate the serum.

John Walker, albeit obtaining it unlawfully, was the last recognized bearer of the title [in a particular context]. In the comic series The Incredible Hulk, General Ross spearheaded projects to create Abomination. This obsession reveals a recurring theme: America’s drive for power control through super-soldiers, disregarding the human toll. Val’s team in Thunderbolts seems to be the next installment in this legacy – a disposable squad consisting of enhanced or renegade operatives who can handle tasks that official heroes cannot.

*Please note that I am not familiar with specific comic titles and their characters, so “Thunderbolts” may not be the correct title for the team you mentioned.

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2025-04-30 01:09