Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Thunderbolts. Although pivotal characters from the MCU do not physically appear in Thunderbolts, their experiences with the Void are vividly illustrated across past narratives. The Thunderbolts stand against the formidable force of Sentry and his dark alter ego, the Void—a threat so overwhelming that its victims cannot physically retaliate. Rather than inflicting bodily harm, the Void ensnares individuals in an endless cycle of their own traumatic memories.
Fortunately, the Thunderbolts devise a strategy to thwart the Void and stop Robert Reynolds from reawakening this dark power. Fast forward fourteen months: during the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts, which lines up with the events of Avengers: Doomsday, Reynolds finds himself unable to tap into his abilities as Sentry or the Void. However, the potential return of the Void looms large. While the impact of the Void on other New York characters during the climactic final battles remains somewhat of a mystery, it is widely speculated that some may have been momentarily captured by this mysterious force.
Spider-Man: Far From Home Explores the Void’s Impact on Peter Parker
Mysterio’s Illusions Prey on Peter Parker’s Deepest Fears
In Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter Parker unwittingly falls victim to Mysterio’s elaborate ruse. Utilizing his special effects expertise and technology stolen from Peter, Quentin Beck ensnares Spider-Man in a web of illusions depicting his greatest fears: MJ’s demise, zombie Iron Man’s resurrection, the devastating loss of the Avengers, and Mysterio’s triumph over him. Mysterio jeers at Peter, highlighting his inability to save Tony Stark and balance his dual life as Spider-Man.
The torments Peter endures at Mysterio’s hands bear remarkable similarities to the Void’s capability to ensnare. Should Spider-Man find himself in the Void during the concluding battle of Thunderbolts, he would likely be plunged into anguish, reliving the deaths of Uncle Ben and Aunt May, the trials of Thanos’ Snap, Iron Man’s ultimate sacrifice, and his own secret revealed. The nightmare would be compounded by a vision of his villains attacking in unison, joined by a disorienting failure to connect with MJ and Ned. Unlike Mysterio’s transient illusions, however, the grip of the Void would leave Spider-Man trapped indefinitely within his darkest memories.
Echo Reveals Wilson Fisk’s Inner Torment
The Haunting Nature of Wilson Fisk’s Childhood Memories
In the finale of Echo, Maya Lopez confronts Wilson Fisk, utilizing her newfound mystical abilities not through conflict, but by delving into his deepest traumas. She forces him to revisit painful memories, including his father’s abuse towards his mother and the violent act of killing his own father. This emotional confrontation leaves Fisk visibly shaken, as he attempts to escape his past without inflicting harm.
If Wilson Fisk were to be ensnared by the Void during the concluding moments of Thunderbolts, it is likely he would relive these very traumas. The narrative in Echo highlights that his rage masks profound regret and grief stemming from a torturous upbringing. Hence, within the Void, he would be unable to confront or reconcile these traumas, instead facing the specter of every life he has extinguished, further trapping him in despair. Among the New York characters, it’s highly probable that Fisk would struggle the most to escape the clutches of the Void.
Multiverse of Madness Offers Insight into Doctor Strange’s Fears
Doctor Strange: Fear of Losing Control and Failing
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Doctor Strange encounters a variant of himself who succumbed to the Darkhold’s sinister influence, resulting in catastrophic consequences for his universe. The prime version of Strange visits Earth-838, where a heroic variant also faced dire outcomes due to his misuse of the Darkhold, leading to his untimely death at the hands of the Illuminati. These narratives expose Strange’s deepest fears regarding failure and the dire costs of his decisions.
If trapped within the Void, Doctor Strange would grapple with the haunting possibilities of his failures: scenarios where his inability to act properly leads to devastating consequences for his loved ones, his entire universe, or even the multiverse itself. Despite his formidable abilities, the weight of such fears poses a significant challenge, as he would continuously face his past failures and regrets within the confines of the Void, potentially robbing him of his powers and forcing him back to his traumatic car accident.