With the trailer forThunderbolts*providing a detailed look at the upcoming film, there are clear connections to earlierMCUprojects, withThe Falcon and the Winter Soldieralmost appearing like a prequel. The MCU has built an empire on interconnected stories, with heroes appearing across numerous films and teaming up. Throughout the Infinity Saga, this momentum of bringing heroes together continued to build at a rapid pace before the crescendo that wasAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame.
However, despite these connections being established in the original Saga, the Multiverse Saga has yet to feature an epic team-up of various heroes. Of course, there were numerous crossovers, but none came close to the scale of the earlier hits. In fact, this played out in the shows as well, with the likes ofTFatWSfeaturing a hero team-up, but still lacking a bigger connection. Fittingly, theMCU is now set to use that story as part of the foundationfor the first real super team crossover film of the Multiverse Saga.
How Thunderbolts* Continues Bucky’s Story After The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
The Winter Soldier Is Still Searching For His Purpose After Steve
Of course, the movie brings characters back from early entries, such asAnt-Man and the Wasp, andBlack Widow, but there is one pivotal rivalry that will continue intoThunderbolts*. AsTFatWSwrapped up in the final episodes of the limited series,Bucky is able to confront his dark pastwhen hereveals his identity as the Winter Soldierto his neighbor, whose son he had killed while under Hydra’s control. While this provides a satisfying resolution for the reformed assassin, his future is less certain.
10 Biggest Thunderbolts* Reveals & Hidden Details In Marvel’s New Trailer
Thunderbolts dropped a lengthy teaser trailer eight months before the film’s release, with some big reveals hidden in plain sight throughout.
WithSam Wilson and Bucky setting off on separate paths, Bucky’s future is left in limbo. Wilson goes on to become Captain America, and will star in his own feature film where he will go head-to-head with several major villains, but Bucky is still trying to adjust to life without Steve, and without a clear purpose. While he was heroic at times, and his past was muddied by evil influences, Bucky does not feel worthy of being a superhero. Unfortunately, it appears that the confusion and manipulation is still underway, with Bucky appearing to fight both for and against the Thunderbolts in the upcoming film.
How Thunderbolts* Continues John Walker’s Story After The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
John Walker Becomes The U.S. Agent
On the other hand, John Walker had a clear future laid out for him as thenew Captain Americawith the government’s backing. He was injected with super soldier serum and given the shield that Steve once used to protect and save the world on multiple occasions. However, Walker was far less noble, and more easily influenced by power and fame. Hisjourney inTFatWSsaw him gradually fall from his heroic position, to become something far darker and more brutal.
Despite losing his position as the official Captain America, he was approached by Valentine Allegra de Fontaine at the end ofTFatWSto recruit him as part of a special secret task force.Thunderboltsis set to explore that new team, and what happened in the time between the series and the movie as Walker appears to continue to struggle with the loss of his title and shield. Interestingly,Thunderboltswill also seeWalker and Bucky team up after having fought on opposite sidesthroughoutTFatWS.
Thunderbolts* Finally Reveals The Team Valentina Allegra de Fontaine Assembled
To date, the mysterious Valentina has also appeared in a handful of other MCU projects where her presence and influence has hinted at something much bigger coming down the line. In a similar vein to howNick Fury would appear in random MCU filmsduring the Infinity Saga, recruiting the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for some mysterious purpose,Valentina appears to show up and recruit more murky characterswho possess extraordinary talents. In addition toTFatWS, she appeared in a post-credits scene duringBlack Widowwhere she appears to recruit Yelena.
What Does The Thunderbolts* Asterisk Mean? 8 Theories About The Marvel Movie’s Title
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* movie was rebranded to feature an asterisk in the title, with several theories being crafted as to what it could mean.
Then again, she shows up inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverwhen some hints about who she is finally appear, as she has been appointed the new director of the CIA. She was also formerly married to Everett K. Ross, the CIA agent who first appeared inCaptain America: Civil War. It’s clear that Valentina has considerable influence, but why she is recruiting some of the least savoury heroes of the MCU is still unclear. Fortunately,Thunderbolts*is positioned perfectly to clarify both her story and continue the events established inTFatWS.
Thunderbolts*
Cast
Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories to survive and achieve their goals.
