Key Question Thunderbolts* Needs to Address

Overview

Marvel’s newest trailer for Thunderbolts* unveils significant details about the primary antagonist.
The absence of the Avengers poses questions about the deployment of superhero resources in the film.
The impending storyline of Thunderbolts* may echo Eternals’ issue of powerful heroes remaining inactive during critical conflicts.

Marvel Studios has consistently been a major presence during Super Bowl Sunday, showcasing key trailers for upcoming films. As anticipation builds for the release of Thunderbolts* in just a few months, this year’s teaser has provided fans with an intriguing glimpse into the film’s narrative, moving beyond the notion of a mere ensemble of anti-heroes. A noteworthy revelation from the latest trailer is the introduction of the film’s principal villain, adding depth to the storyline.

Among other critical elements, the trailer features a pivotal moment where Valentina addresses Congress, proclaiming, “Let’s face facts. The Avengers are not coming. Who will keep the American people safe?” Subsequently, Bucky Barnes informs Yelena Belova, the Red Guardian, Ghost, and John Walker that they are the team designated to confront the looming threat in New York City. However, this beguiling exposition raises further questions endemic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) shared world: why aren’t the Avengers involved?

The Thunderbolts* Could Use Some Assistance

The latest trailer not only showcases the team dynamics but also hints at the identity of the antagonist. Preliminary insights suggest that Bucky and team might be facing off against a familiar foe: Bob, better known as Sentry.

Watch the Trailer

Sentry, while primarily a hero within Marvel comics, possesses a complex character with a notorious history of destruction. It appears that in this narrative, Sentry may have lost his memories, making him susceptible to Valentina’s forces’ manipulation, thereby positioning him as a formidable villain.

This creates a pressing dilemma for the Thunderbolts*: if Sentry is the main antagonist, they will require robust support from other superheroes, given that he represents a threat akin to Marvel’s version of Superman—without a glaring vulnerability. With New York under siege, one has to question the absence of any Avengers joining the fray. While some heroes like Black Widow and Iron Man are no longer available due to their respective demises, others—like Captain America (now Sam Wilson), War Machine, and the intelligent Hulk—are still active in the fight against crime. Even Thor remains on Earth, leading to the question: why are they not supporting the Thunderbolts? Notably, Spider-Man, a New Yorker himself, seems to be absent from this conflict.

Thunderbolts* Might Confront a Reverse Eternals Dilemma

The MCU has encountered a similar predicament in the past, struggling to balance its vast array of characters while ensuring narrative coherence. While it is somewhat justifiable for characters like Doctor Strange and Captain Marvel to be absent—presumably engaged in off-world adventures—the rationale becomes murkier when it concerns heroes who should logically be intervening in high-stakes scenarios.

Eric Pearson Lee Sung Jin Joanna Calo
Directed By	Jake Schreier
Starring	Florence Pugh Sebastian Stan David Harbour Wyatt Russell Olga Kurylenko Lewis Pullman Geraldine Viswanathan Chris Bauer Wendell Edward Pierce Hannah John-Kamen Julia Louis-Dreyfus

This dilemma—superheroes sitting out during a conflict—plagued the storyline of Eternals, which received backlash for introducing god-like beings who failed to intervene during Thanos’s threat to the universe. While Eternals attempted to justify their inaction, citing an oath of non-interference, the Thunderbolts* lack such constraints. If a crisis arises that affects millions, it stands to reason that the remaining heroes should respond, regardless of any hypothetical regulations like the Sokovia Accords.

As Thunderbolts* progresses, it is vital for the narrative to provide a reasonable explanation for the Avengers’ lack of involvement. This film appears to promise an exciting viewing experience, but unless the writing team offers a convincing rationale for why only this unlikely ensemble of heroes can combat the threat, it could find itself at a significant disadvantage.

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