Thunderbolts* has recently removed a character from its roster, one that I believe the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) should consider reintroducing in the future. If not, the character risks becoming one of the franchise’s overlooked villains from Marvel Comics. This decision is especially intriguing, given that the film features an ensemble of characters who, despite being considered minor, have the potential to gain as much affection from fans as the original Avengers. It’s clear that Marvel Studios took a significant gamble with this venture into the lives of down-and-out antiheroes and former villains, and for the most part, it seems to have paid off.
Yelena Belova stands out as a key player in the MCU, emerging as a legitimate successor in the wake of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. The conclusion of Thunderbolts* sets her and the New Avengers up to take center stage in the forthcoming films of the Multiverse Saga: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. This makes it all the more perplexing that another character, who was prominently featured in Thunderbolts*, was unceremoniously removed from the narrative.
Taskmaster’s Premature Exit
A Brief Spotlight for Taskmaster
The fate of Olga Kurylenko’s Antonia Dreykov, known as Taskmaster, was foreshadowed in the marketing for Thunderbolts*. Trailers glossed over her role, showcasing her only during a brief skirmish, leading many to speculate that she would not survive long into the film. Unfortunately, those predictions came true. With only a single line of dialogue, Taskmaster met her demise at the hands of Ghost, receiving a fatal shot to the head.
Taskmaster deserved a more thorough exploration. Her initial introduction in Black Widow was controversial, as Marvel’s adaptation diverged sharply from her comic book persona. Instead of portraying a mind-controlled character, the comic version is characterized by her quick wit and humor, reminiscent of Deadpool. Thunderbolts* could have served as a platform for a character redemption arc, allowing Antonia to develop her identity after breaking free from her constraints, but Marvel opted for a decisive exit instead.
Future Opportunities for the Taskmaster Mantle
The Possibility of Multiple Taskmasters
However, there’s still hope for the Taskmaster legacy. The mantle could be reclaimed by another individual—potentially the more comic-book faithful Anthony Masters—who might better embody the characteristic humor during confrontations than the subdued Dreykov. It’s disappointing that Marvel Studios didn’t develop Antonia further, especially considering her ties to pivotal characters. Still, the idea of another character continuing the Taskmaster legacy resonates. This isn’t an entirely novel concept within the MCU.
| Other Mantles Held By Multiple People | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mantle | Original | Successor(s) |
| Captain America | Steve Rogers | John Walker/Sam Wilson |
| Black Panther | Bashenga | T’Chaka/T’Challa/N’Jadaka/Shuri (and more) |
| Ant-Man | Hank Pym | Scott Lang |
| The Wasp | Janet Van Dyne | Hope Van Dyne |
| Hawkeye | Clint Barton | Kate Bishop |
Taskmaster’s demise comes at a pivotal moment within the MCU. With Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon, which promise substantial upheaval and perhaps a soft reboot of the MCU, there lies potential for a “new”Taskmaster to emerge in future narratives—a more comic-accurate interpretation, perhaps. Yet, there’s also room for playful storytelling that keeps Taskmaster connected to the origins of her character.
Justification for a New Villain
Taskmaster’s Legacy as an Antagonist
It’s widely shared that the handling of Taskmaster’s death was one of the less impactful elements of Thunderbolts*. While her swift exit was shocking, it lacked the gravity one would hope for from such a character’s fate. One possibility for redemption could be another character—perhaps a friend from Antonia’s past—who has also suffered at the hands of the Red Room. This new character could strive to uphold Antonia’s legacy, fueled by a desire for vengeance against those responsible for her demise.
Even if revenge isn’t the guiding force, the implications of the New Avengers’ involvement in Antonia’s death could incentivize a new Taskmaster’s emergence as a formidable yet psychologically complex opponent, utilizing the legacy and skills of the previous Taskmaster.
Ultimately, Taskmaster is an engaging villain, and it would make sense for the MCU to draw on her demise in Thunderbolts* to position the Taskmaster mantle as a rallying point against the New Avengers. After all, the New Avengers harbor a collection of foes, and this could provide a unique twist in the evolving storylines of the MCU.