Thunderbolts* explores the underdogs of MCU heroism, depicting conflicted characters who differ from The Avengers. It brings together antiheroes, former villains, and morally complex figures who have already been established in the MCU timeline. By the time of Thunderbolts*’ ending, the film depicts the eponymous team operating in the shadows, taking on missions that conventional heroes might shy away from.
Originally introduced as a group of villains masquerading as heroes in the comics, the Thunderbolts are often a blend of antiheroes, reformed criminals, and morally ambiguous characters. The MCU’s Thunderbolts align more with the latter type of character, with each member having their own complex MCU history, character arcs, and individual powers.
Bucky Barnes Powers, Comics Origin & MCU History Explained
Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier, is a vital MCU character. Trained by both the U.S. military and Hydra, Bucky has a lot of powers and abilities. For starters, he is a super-soldier with enhanced strength, speed, agility, and durability. Bucky also has a cybernetic arm, which has been upgraded multiple times, giving him increased strength and combat versatility.
In Marvel Comics, Bucky Barnes’ origin story is very similar to the history the MCU has provided for him. In the MCU, Bucky Barnes first appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger. Played by Sebastian Stan, Bucky is Steve Rogers’ best friend.
After his apparent death during World War II, he is revealed to have survived and been brainwashed by Hydra, becoming the Winter Soldier. After regaining his memories, Bucky fought Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War before being blipped, later returning in Avengers: Endgame.
Bucky continued his journey of redemption in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, leading him to become a congressman in the United States government. Thunderbolts* picks up here, with Bucky trying to protect the country. A rivalry with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine leads Bucky to join the Thunderbolts.
Yelena Belova Powers, Comics Origin & MCU History Explained
Yelena Belova is a master spy and ᴀssᴀssin trained in the Red Room, just like her adoptive sister Natasha Romanoff. She possesses peak human physical conditioning, expert martial arts skills, and proficiency with firearms, knives, and various other weapons.
In the comics, Yelena first appeared in Inhumans #5 in 1999, created by writer Devin Grayson and artist J.G. Jones, and introduced as a rival to Natasha Romanoff. Yelena initially seeks to surpᴀss Natasha’s legacy and become the true Black Widow.
Yelena made her MCU debut in Black Widow, portrayed by Florence Pugh. As Natasha Romanoff’s adopted sister, she was a key figure in exposing the corruption of the Red Room and its leader, Dreykov. After Natasha died in Avengers: Endgame, Yelena was recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who manipulated her into targeting Clint Barton in the Disney+ series Hawkeye.
Thunderbolts* focuses on Yelena’s continued work for Valentina, though it shows the depths of the former’s dissatisfaction. Yelena finds herself feeling as though her life is pointless, with no real meaning, leading to the connections she forms with the other members of the тιтular team.
Red Guardian Powers, Comics Origin & MCU History Explained
Red Guardian, also known as Alexei Shostakov, has similar powers to Bucky, given their shared history with super-soldier serum. Therefore, Alexei’s combat abilities are formidable. He is an expert hand-to-hand fighter and skilled with his shield. His years of military training also make him a seasoned strategist.
The Red Guardian first appeared in The Avengers #43 in 1967, created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema. Alexei Shostakov was selected to become the Red Guardian, the USSR’s answer to Captain America. Unlike his MCU counterpart, the comics’ Alexei was more stoic and dedicated to Soviet ideals, and his rivalry with Captain America was a recurring theme.
In the MCU, Red Guardian is portrayed by David Harbour and was introduced in Black Widow. Alexei is Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova’s adoptive father, and while he possesses great strength, his glory days as the Soviet Union’s hero are long behind him.
Thunderbolts* sees Red Guardian join the team, given his shared feeling of unfulfillment. Driven by his love for Yelena, Red Guardian joins the team to thwart Valentina’s plans.
John Walker Powers, Comics Origin & MCU History Explained
John Walker/U.S. Agent was given enhanced physical abilities similar to Captain America’s after receiving a version of the super-soldier serum, giving him powers similar to Bucky’s and Red Guardian’s. He is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and marksman, trained in military tactics.
John Walker debuted in Captain America #323 in 1986, created by Mark Gruenwald. Initially known as Super-Patriot, Walker sought to replace Captain America, promoting a more aggressive form of patriotism. Eventually, when Steve Rogers stepped down as Captain America, Walker took up the mantle.
In both the comics and the MCU, depicted in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Walker quickly realized the pressure and moral dilemmas that came with it. Struggling to balance his ideals and the legacy of the shield, Walker adopted the U.S. Agent persona. The ending of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier depicted as much, with Walker beginning to work for Valentina.
Portrayed by Wyatt Russell in the MCU, Thunderbolts* continues Walker’s journey. The film outlines the struggles he faced after “failing” as Captain America, leading to fractured relationships with his wife and child. Despite his gruff exterior, Walker eventually joins the Thunderbolts and finds himself a new family.
Taskmaster Powers, Comics Origin & MCU History Explained
In the MCU, Taskmaster possesses “pH๏τographic reflexes,” an ability that allows her to perfectly mimic the physical movements and combat styles of anyone she observes. This means Taskmaster can replicate the fighting techniques of heroes like Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, making her an incredibly versatile and dangerous combatant.
Taskmaster debuted in The Avengers #195 in 1980, created by David Michelinie and George Pérez. In the comics, Taskmaster is a male named Tony Masters. A mercenary and trainer of supervillains who uses his pH๏τographic reflexes to fight multiple heroes, Taskmaster often serves as a villain or antihero.
In the MCU, Taskmaster is revealed to be Antonia Dreykov, marking a big comic change. Antonia is the daughter of the Red Room’s leader, who was brainwashed and used as an ᴀssᴀssin. Antonia’s pH๏τographic reflexes come from technology implanted in her suit, allowing her to replicate the moves of various Avengers.
Antonia’s inclusion in Thunderbolts* is an interesting one. Taskmaster cannot be described as a true member of the team, as she is killed by Ghost in an initial skirmish between Thunderbolts*’ cast. Despite featuring in the film’s marketing, the creators of Thunderbolts* killed Taskmaster to establish the high stakes of the film early on.
Ghost Powers, Comics Origin & MCU History Explained
Ghost, also known as Ava Starr in the MCU, can phase through solid objects due to molecular instability. This power allows her to become intangible, invisible, and move through walls. In the MCU, Ghost’s abilities are unstable, meaning she requires special technology to stabilize her condition.
Ghost first appeared in Iron Man #219 in 1987, created by David Michelinie and Bob Layton. In the comics, Ghost is a male character whose real name is unknown. Ghost’s powers come from his technologically advanced suit, which allows him to phase through matter and become invisible. Though primarily an Iron Man villain, Ghost has occasionally acted as an antihero.
In the MCU, Ghost is portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen and was introduced in Ant-Man and The Wasp. Ava Starr gained her powers after an accident involving quantum energy killed her parents and left her molecules in a constant state of instability. Desperate to survive, she worked with Bill Foster to find a way to stabilize her condition.
Ghost was absent from the MCU for seven years until Thunderbolts*. Ghost was revealed as another operative for Valentina, having stabilized her condition enough to utilize it to her advantage. After colliding with the other characters in the film, Ghost teams up with them.
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine Powers, Comics Origin & MCU History Explained
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine does not possess superhuman abilities but is a highly skilled operative and manipulator. She is a master of espionage, strategy, and political maneuvering. Her expertise in intelligence operations makes her one of the most dangerous power players in the MCU.
Valentina first appeared in Strange Tales #159 in 1967, created by Jim Steranko. In the comics, Valentina is a SHIELD agent who initially served as a love interest for Nick Fury. Over time, she became a key figure in the world of espionage, often walking the line between ally and adversary.
In the MCU, Valentina is portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and first appeared in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. She is a mysterious figure known for recruiting powerful individuals with questionable morals.
In Thunderbolts*, it is revealed that Valentina ᴀssembled these characters to do her bidding and make her more influential in the MCU. She accrued this power due to the lack of The Avengers, stating she wanted to protect the world. Unwittingly, Val endangered the world through Project Sentry, which led to the formation of the Thunderbolts.
Bob Powers, Comics Origin & MCU History Explained
Thunderbolts*‘ Bob is actually the Marvel character known as Sentry. Bob is one of Marvel’s most powerful superheroes, often considered an equivalent to Superman. He possesses many powers, from superhuman strength, speed, and durability to flight and energy projection. Sentry also has a powerful healing factor and can regenerate from nearly any injury.
The Sentry was introduced in Sentry #1 in 2000, created by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee. He was initially depicted as a forgotten hero who had been erased from the collective memory of the Marvel universe. Robert accidentally acquired his powers after consuming a serum and became the Sentry.
His immense power made him both a hero and a threat, as his darker personality, the Void, would emerge alongside his heroism. Throughout his history, Sentry has been a member of the Avengers and the Dark Avengers, constantly struggling with his dual nature.
Sentry makes his MCU debut in Thunderbolts*. Bob is introduced as a troubled man, one who had a traumatic upbringing and suffers from bouts of depression and amnesia. After being recruited by Valentina, Bob became both Sentry and The Void, the latter a manifestation of his poor mental health, proving him to be one of Thunderbolts*‘ most important characters.
