I have loved taking the opportunity to rewatch Thunderbolts*, but it has made me realize that the MCU movie’s true villain — the one responsible for every bad outcome — actually got away with everything. That doesn’t detract from the movie’s overall quality, however, as it remains one of the best installments of the entire MCU.

Villains are essentially the focal point of Thunderbolts*, as the movie spotlights a roster of superheroes-to-be who were once villains, such as Ghost and Bucky Barnes. After inadvertently banding together, they are then faced with a threat that even the MCU’s most powerful superheroes would struggle against: the Void.

Through some creative thinking and the power of love, however, the Thunderbolts came out unscathed. They weren’t the only ones, either, as ridding Bob of the Void’s control also rescued innocent victims from the realm of shame rooms. Nevertheless, another character who came out unscathed would probably have received some repercussions for her actions.

The Real Villain Of Thunderbolts* Seems To Have Gotten Away With All Their Misdeeds By The Movie’s Ending

Although the Void was marketed as the true arch-villain of Thunderbolts*, the ruinous enтιтy could never have existed without the actions of one character: Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. She was, after all, responsible for Project Sentry and pushing for Bob to embrace the role despite concerns about his fractured psyche.

This moment came soon after Valentina attempted to kill the Thunderbolts by incinerating them along with evidence of OXE’s nefarious activities. There is rarely a moment when Valentina isn’t engaging in some kind of unscrupulous scheme, but, unlike most other villains in the MCU, she sidesteps any consequences for her actions.

By the end of Thunderbolts*, Valentina isn’t just working closely, perhaps managing, the New Avengers, but also seems to have successfully avoided impeachment. Even with Yelena Belova goading Valentina by ᴀsserting that the New Avengers “own” her now, this still feels incongruous with the gravity of her past crimes. Then again, maybe there is a good reason for this.

Why Val Gets Away With Everything By The Time Thunderbolts* Ends

It could be Valentina’s new role as the New Avengers manager that has helped to shield her from consequences. In this position, Valentina is likely somewhat untouchable, especially if her media expertise has enabled her to manage her image effectively in the public eye.

Furthermore, with Bucky Barnes being one of the most ardent advocates for Valentina’s impeachment, his new position as a New Avenger might have prompted him to bury that hatchet. Instead, Bucky may be keeping close tabs on Valentina from within his new position.

Sentry’s presence also cannot be ignored. If Valentina successfully revealed the Sentry to the world, then the immensely powerful MCU superhero would be a significant deterrent against those who would wish to do her harm. Whatever the case, while Valentina may have dodged consequences in Thunderbolts*, a comeuppance may be en route in a future MCU installment.