Marvel Studios is gearing up to unleash a motley crew of anti-heroes and reformed villains in Thunderbolts*, promising a darker, grittier take on the superhero team-up. With familiar faces returning from past projects and a newcomer joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fray, it’s time to brush up on who’s who.
Thunderbolts* acts as a thrilling convergence point for several MCU storylines, pulling together characters from Disney+ shows including The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), and films such as Black Widow (2021), and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). This comprehensive guide will delve into the backstories and motivations of each key member, explore their potential roles in the upcoming film, and shed light on how their paths might intertwine in this unprecedented alliance. Buckle up, because the Thunderbolts are about to strike the MCU, and it’s going to be electrifying.
1) Yelena Belova/Black Widow
Yelena Belova, a former Black Widow and adoptive sister of Natasha Romanoff, was first brought to life by Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer) in Black Widow. Trained in the Red Room alongside Natasha, Yelena spent years under General Dreykov’s control before finally breaking free and helping dismantle the Red Room. Following Natasha’s death in Avengers: Endgame (2019), Yelena was misled by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine into believing Clint Barton was responsible. This led to a confrontation in the Disney+ Hawkeye (2021) series, where Yelena eventually learned the truth about Natasha’s sacrifice.
Despite initially seeking revenge, Yelena ultimately chose to spare Barton’s life, recognising Natasha’s choice. Her journey since then remains shrouded in mystery, but it’s clear that Valentina has continued to exert influence over her. How Yelena ended up joining the Thunderbolts remains to be seen, but her formidable skills and conflicted past make her an interesting addition to the team.
2) Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier
Sebastian Stan’s (Pam & Tommy) Bucky Barnes, a character with a rich history in the MCU, first appeared as Steve Rogers’ childhood friend in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). Presumed dead after a mission gone wrong, Bucky was captured by Hydra and transformed into the Winter Soldier, a lethal assassin. Years later, in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), he was freed from his conditioning and aided in his rehabilitation by the Wakandans, earning the moniker ‘White Wolf’.
Following Steve Rogers’ retirement, Bucky played a crucial role in supporting Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson’s transition into the new Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Now, he finds himself among the ranks of the Thunderbolts. His presence raises questions about his connection to Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and how he ended up in this morally ambiguous team. With his extensive combat experience and a haunting past, Bucky is undoubtedly a key player in the Thunderbolts’ upcoming mission.
3) John Walker/US Agent
John Walker, played by Wyatt Russell (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) and introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, was initially appointed as the new Captain America after Steve Rogers’ retirement. A decorated U.S. Army Ranger, Walker possessed the physical prowess and dedication to serve his country, but his volatile temperament and inflated ego proved to be his downfall. The pressures of upholding the Captain America legacy, coupled with the loss of his partner and the influence of the Super Soldier Serum, led him down a dark path.
Stripped of his title and shield, Walker was recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and reborn as the U.S. Agent, a shadowy operative for the government. His enhanced abilities and unwavering loyalty make him a valuable asset, but his unstable nature and questionable moral compass raise concerns about his role within the Thunderbolts.
4) Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian
Alexei Shostakov, played by David Harbour of Stranger Things (2016-present) fame, also known as the Red Guardian, is another familiar face from the Black Widow film. A super-soldier and former Soviet operative, Alexei served as a father figure to Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova during an undercover mission. After years of imprisonment, he was freed by his adoptive daughters and aided them in dismantling the Red Room.
As one of three super-soldiers on the Thunderbolts team, the Red Guardian brings a unique dynamic to the group. His imposing physique and combat skills are undeniable assets, but his brash personality could lead to clashes with his teammates. After the events of Black Widow, Alexei seemed to have settled into a quiet life, but the call to action has once again pulled him back into the fray.
5) Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster
The enigmatic Taskmaster, portrayed by Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace), serves as the final link to the Black Widow narrative in Thunderbolts*. Once the daughter of General Dreykov, Antonia was tragically caught in the crossfire during Natasha Romanoff’s mission, leading to her transformation into a formidable weapon. A chip implanted in her brain granted her father complete control and the ability to mimic any fighting style she witnessed, turning her into the ultimate assassin.
Freed from her father’s control at the end of Black Widow, Taskmaster’s future remained uncertain. Her inclusion in the Thunderbolts signals a new chapter for the character, one where she must navigate her newfound autonomy alongside former adversaries like Yelena and the Red Guardian. The question remains: will she find redemption or continue down a path of violence?
6) Ava Starr/Ghost
Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, returns to the MCU in Thunderbolts* after her debut in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen (Killjoys), Ava is a victim of a quantum accident that left her with the ability to phase through solid matter but also caused her immense pain. Trained as a SHIELD operative, Ava’s quest for a cure led her down a darker path, clashing with Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Though temporarily stabilised by Janet Van Dyne’s return from the Quantum Realm, Ava’s condition remains a constant struggle. Her reappearance in Thunderbolts* suggests she may still be seeking a permanent solution. With a new suit and a mysterious connection to Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Ghost’s role in the team and her ultimate goals are yet to be revealed.
7) Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
The enigmatic mastermind behind the Thunderbolts, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld), has been a shadowy presence in the MCU since her debut in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. As the head of the CIA, she operates in the murky world of espionage, recruiting individuals like John Walker and Yelena Belova for clandestine operations.
While the MCU has only scratched the surface of her character, the comics portray Valentina as a complex figure with a history of shifting allegiances. Her true motivations and the extent of her influence remain shrouded in mystery, leaving fans to wonder what her ultimate plans for the Thunderbolts might be.
8) Robert ‘Bob’ Reynolds/Sentry
The Thunderbolts* trailer offers a tantalising glimpse of a mysterious newcomer, simply referred to as ‘Bob’, played by Top Gun: Maverick’s (2022) Lewis Pullman. While his identity remains officially unconfirmed, strong evidence suggests he’s portraying the Sentry, one of the most powerful superheroes in the Marvel universe. In the comics, Robert ‘Bob’ Reynolds was introduced as Marvel’s answer to DC’s Superman. He gained immense abilities after accidentally ingesting the Golden Sentry Serum (a stronger, concentrated version of the Super Soldier Serum), but his power came with a dark side: the Void, a destructive entity vying for control.
Originally intended to be portrayed by Steven Yeun, scheduling conflicts led to his departure from the project, leaving the role open for Pullman to step in. His potential inclusion in the MCU marks a significant power shift for the Thunderbolts, raising questions about his role on the team and the challenges he may bring. Will he be a force for good or a volatile element? Only time, and the release of Thunderbolts*, will tell.
As the Thunderbolts prepare to assemble on the big screen, Marvel fans are in for a wild ride. This team of anti-heroes and reformed villains, each with their own baggage and motivations, promises to deliver a thrilling and unpredictable story. Under the watchful eye of the enigmatic Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, their mission remains shrouded in secrecy, leaving us to speculate about the challenges they’ll face and the choices they’ll make. Will they find redemption, or will their pasts catch up with them?
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* will open in cinemas on 1 May 2025.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
