You heard it here first: Marvel’s Thunderbolts* will be the new version of Guardians of the Galaxy. It will have all the goofiness and depth that you’d want from characters that are established in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The difference is that Marvel Studios had faith in this project from the start.
Like always, one thing to look for is characters that are connected to the Thunderbolts in Marvel Comics. Members like Erik Josten (Atlas), Abner Jenkins (Mach V), and James Sanders (Speed Demon) could debut in the MCU in this movie. Maybe there’s a return of Baron Zemo hidden away to surprise us. As great as they would be, these are the five most likely to appear.
Wilson Fisk
Wilson Fisk is looking for a way to stop superhumans, and, eventually, his Anti-Vigilante Task Force won’t be enough. If this is like Marvel Comics’ Devil’s Reign, the next step would be for him to bring in his team of Thunderbolts. If that’s the case, he may appear in one of the post or mid-credit scenes. This would be perfect timing with Daredevil: Born Again fresh in everyone's mind.
Melissa Gold
Melissa Gold (Songbird) is the epitome of the Thunderbolts program. She was once a villain named Screaming Mimi who eventually became a hero. She still believes in the redemption of heroes despite being repeatedly proven wrong, and that’s what the Thunderbolts are supposed to be.
Because there are already a lot of heroes in this project, we would likely see her as Screaming Mimi being beaten by one of the protagonists or as just plain Melissa Gold. But not Songbird. If we see her as a villain, this could lead to her becoming a Thunderbolt.
Karla Sofen
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s this writer using any excuse to talk about Karla Sofen. She’s a true villain and one of the original members of the Thunderbolts (their first appearance is in Incredible Hulk No. 449). It’s doubtful that we’ll see her as Moonstone here, but it wouldn’t be shocking if she’s the reason Bob turns into the Void after one appointment with her.
Clint Barton
Once upon a time, Clint Barton was the leader of the Thunderbolts. He may be retired in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but who stops being a hero? He could see the opportunity to help a new group of heroes and become the Thunderbolts liaison after Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is fired for almost destroying the world.
Clint has history with Yelena Belova, who nearly killed him after Valentina sent her his way, and he was on the original Avengers team with Bucky Barnes. So we wouldn't rule out an appearance from this MCU veteran.
Thaddeus Ross
If Clint Barton isn’t going to lead the team, then it should be General Thaddeus Ross. He was once in charge of the Thunderbolts (Deadpool, Agent Venom, Elektra, Punisher, and Ghost Rider) in Marvel Comics. There's no reason he couldn't do it in the MCU.
It would be the perfect time to add Red Hulk/Thaddeus Ross to the Thunderbolts. Captain America: Brave New World was released this year, and if anyone will lead this team of miscreants, it should be him.
Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow’s social media pages on Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more Thunderbolts* news, opinions, and rumors as they come out.