The third act of Thunderbolts* raises a harsh reality about The Avengers in the MCU, specifically linked to the story of Scarlet Witch. For the most part, the story of Thunderbolts* proved to be very different from the MCU’s typical format. Not only was it the first team-up movie the franchise has produced since Avengers: Endgame but Thunderbolts* cast of characters also allowed for a greater focus to be placed on their dynamics and relationships than big action set pieces.

This is not to say that there are no big action scenes in Thunderbolts*, but there is no denying that the film’s third act was different from that of a typical team-up movie. The ending of Thunderbolts* dealt with the Marvel Comics character of The Void, a manifestation of the darkest parts of Robert Reynolds. Although this ended up teasing more to come from the Thunderbolts in upcoming Marvel movies, the conclusion of The Void’s storyline raised some harsh truths about past members of the MCU, specifically The Avengers in relation to Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch.

Thunderbolts* Focused On The Team Helping Bob Through His Inner Turmoil

The Void Was Vanquished In A Unique Way

Firstly, it is worth exploring the final act of Thunderbolts* and how it marked a distinct, different way to stop a powerful Marvel supervillain. As already alluded to, the villain of Thunderbolts* was The Void, a manifestation of the darkest parts of Bob’s trauma, depression, and turmoil. The Void’s powers made it so that the entirety of New York was trapped in this pit of darkness, experiencing their worst memories on a loop. The team members of the Thunderbolts were part of this too, as they fought to reach Bob at the center of The Void.

Eventually, the Thunderbolts had to stop The Void by consoling Bob. Yelena, John Walker, Red Guardian, Bucky, and Ghost all gave Bob a huge group hug, letting him know that they were there for him and that he did not have to go through his struggles alone. Only then was The Void truly defeated, allowing Bob to regain control of his powers and free New York from his darker grasp. This method of defeating an all-powerful Marvel villain was incredibly unexpected, yet worked perfectly within the context of the film, all while raising questions about previous MCU stories.

Scarlet Witch Was Left To Deal With Her Trauma Alone

The Loss Of Vision Placed Wanda On A Dark Path

Concerning how Thunderbolts* story brings Scarlet Witch to mind, it reminded me that Wanda was left to deal with her trauma alone after the events of Avengers: Endgame. WandaVision detailed this, explaining how Wanda’s sheer grief and heartbreak at losing Vision – as well as other family members like her parents as a child and her brother, Pietro – led to her creating the Hex around Westview. Throughout all of WandaVision‘s flashback scenes, Wanda was alone.

None of The Avengers were shown checking up on Wanda or helping her. Although the loss of Iron Man, Black Widow, and Captain America likely meant the heroes of the MCU were grieving in their own ways, Wanda’s was palpable enough to awaken her Scarlet Witch abilities and send her down a villainous path in both WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Unlike Bob, Scarlet Witch had no one to help her through her darkest times.

The Difference Between Bob & Wanda’s Story Proves A Harsh Reality About The Avengers

The Thunderbolts Feel Different

With all of this in mind, the harsh reality about The Avengers that I have referenced is that they were never truly a family. While the MCU’s Avengers have always been close, have cared for each other, and have been through a lot together, they were ultimately coworkers and friends rather than a family. After only one MCU appearance, the Thunderbolts – or New Avengers after Thunderbolts* post-credit scene – feel much more like a family who rely on each other than The Avengers ever did.

Of course, it is not lost on me that there are reasons for this. For instance, a theme of Thunderbolts* was tackling loneliness and how each of the team members felt alone in their lives whereas The Avengers have always had individual support systems. Nonetheless, the differences between Bob’s story and Scarlet Witch’s descent into villainy and how Thunderbolts* explored the close-knit feel of the team typify this truth about Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.