As the release dates for Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* draw closer, concerns are emerging about their narrative similarities, especially in how they confront their respective villains. Despite limited information about Thunderbolts*, trailers and promotional content reveal intriguing hints, including a notable character’s early demise. Originally met with skepticism due to its ensemble of lesser-known antiheroes, anticipation for Thunderbolts* has surged, indicating that this film may rejuvenate Marvel’s cinematic landscape following the divisive reception of Brave New World, which is now among the MCU’s lowest-grossing entries.
A significant critique aimed at Brave New World centered on its antagonist, Red Hulk. With powers far exceeding those of Sam Wilson, who lacks super-soldier serum enhancements, the film’s premise risked overshadowing Wilson’s capabilities. However, Marvel’s enduring affection for the underdog narrative may ensure that Thunderbolts* continues this trend, albeit through a path that appears worryingly similar to its predecessor’s narrative arc.
The Defeat of Red Hulk in Brave New World
Sam Wilson: Empathy as His Greatest Strength
Despite its issues, I personally enjoyed Brave New World. However, one of my primary concerns was Marvel’s neglect of Bruce Banner, traditionally the most suited opponent for Red Hulk, who serves as his long-time nemesis in the comics. The climax of the film showcased Sam Wilson’s clever use of strategy and technology as he faced a seemingly invincible foe, effectively showing that even without the serum, he could hold his own against an overwhelmingly powerful adversary.
This juxtaposition of Wilson’s resourcefulness against Red Hulk’s brute strength mirrors themes likely to emerge in Thunderbolts*, positioning this new film similarly within the underdog narrative that Marvel excels at telling.
Throughout the confrontation, Wilson utilized an array of advanced weapons, leveraging every asset in his Wakandan arsenal. Yet, as the situation escalated, he realized that brute force alone was insufficient. Ultimately, he turned to his greatest asset: empathy.
In one of the standout moments of the film, Wilson showcased that his emotional intelligence allows him to engage successfully with even the mightiest of antagonists. This striking difference in approach resonates with the prevailing discourse around heroism in the MCU, emphasizing emotional depth over sheer physical power.
Facing an Overpowered Opponent in Thunderbolts*
The Godlike Threat of the Void
Recent trailers for Thunderbolts* have confirmed the anticipated appearance of the Void, a character deeply rooted in Marvel Comics history. Fans were primed for this moment as it became evident that Lewis Pullman’s portrayal hints at the Sentry’s duality: the powerful hero and his dark alter ego. The Sentry is one of Marvel’s most formidable characters, and his transformation into the Void presents a dire challenge for the Thunderbolts.
Possessing an ability to manipulate reality at a molecular level, the Sentry and his Void persona will pose an extraordinary threat unlike anything faced by the team of reformed misfits.
The Thunderbolts lineup primarily features super-soldiers and assassins, with only Ghost possessing unique abilities beyond elementary combat skill. As noted in one of the trailers, Yelena Belova succinctly summarizes their challenge, underscoring their status as an underdog team against an enemy of such epic proportions.
|
Thunderbolts Member |
Main Powers |
|---|---|
|
Yelena Belova/Black Widow |
Super Assassin |
|
Bucky Barnes/White Wolf/Winter Soldier |
Super Soldier |
|
Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian |
Super Soldier |
|
John Walker/US Agent |
Super Soldier |
|
Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster |
Super-Assassin and Perfect Mimicry |
|
Ava Starr/Ghost |
Quantum Phasing |
With the Void identified as a threat equivalent to an Avenger-level adversary, the trailers for Thunderbolts* continually emphasize that the Avengers will not be coming to the rescue. The fate of this team against such a destructive force creates a daunting challenge, raising questions about their path to potential victory.
Sentry’s Return in Avengers: Doomsday
Lewis Pullman Joins the Cast of Avengers: Doomsday
During a recent live stream, Marvel Studios unveiled a host of cast confirmations for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, drawing interest with the inclusion of several well-known and unexpected characters. Among those announced was Lewis Pullman, hinting at Sentry’s return in the Avengers team-up film.
In the midst of the ongoing Multiverse Saga, it remains feasible that Pullman may portray a variant of his character, akin to what we’re witnessing with other stars like Robert Downey Jr. in different roles.
This revelation raises intriguing implications about the resolution of Thunderbolts*, as it suggests that the team may survive a confrontation with a godlike being. Expectations for casualties within the Thunderbolts have been high, yet the Avengers announcement suggests a different outcome, indicating perhaps even Sentry himself will emerge unscathed, signaling a possibly less lethal film in the MCU.
It leaves one to wonder whether Marvel is playing a clever double-bluff by revealing the Thunderbolts’ fate ahead of time. The prospect of their involvement in Avengers: Doomsday could imply that they may not face the lethal consequences many fans anticipated.
Predicting the Thunderbolts’ Approach to Defeating the Sentry
The Power of Empathy as a Means to Subdue the Void
If the Thunderbolts and the Sentry indeed make it to Avengers: Doomsday, I can envision one possible outcome. Similar to how Captain America subdued Red Hulk through dialogue, it seems that the team’s best chance of overcoming the Void lies in psychological engagement rather than sheer physical might. Defeating the Void through conversation and understanding may be their only viable strategy.
This approach aligns with the film’s implied focus on mental health themes. The Thunderbolts might leverage their own experiences with trauma and resilience to connect with Bob, guiding his humanity to re-emerge and ultimately overpowering the Void’s influence. If this narrative direction is indeed what Marvel is pursuing, it would echo the resolution seen in Brave New World, albeit with significant stakes. Fans are sure to expect a masterful execution of these intertwined stories.