Thunderbolts* marks the newest chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), taking place within the familiar confines of New York City. The film’s recent trailer has sparked discussions regarding the conspicuous absence of iconic New York heroes like Spider-Man and Daredevil, particularly as a formidable threat, known as the Void, wreaks havoc across the metropolis. As the roster of MCU superheroes continues to expand, the logic of their absence in critical battles against supernatural adversaries is becoming increasingly questionable, especially with the introduction of more street-level heroes in projects like Daredevil: Born Again.
With New York superheroes such as Spider-Man and Daredevil being at the forefront, the trailer for Thunderbolts* raises vital inquiries. Why aren’t they stepping up to confront the Void, who is unleashing immense power against innocent citizens? The trailer cleverly hints at this dilemma, showcasing character reactions that acknowledge the Thunderbolts’ limitations, with Yelena Belova commenting on their brute-force approach: “They all just punch and shoot.” Yet, there may be a deeper reason for the absence of these heroes.
Manhattan Overrun by the Void
The Void: A Formidable Threat
Watch the Trailer Here
The latest Thunderbolts* trailer reveals that the team must contend with the Void, an alter ego of Lewis Pullman’s Sentry. This sets the stage for a showdown against one of the most formidable forces in Marvel Comics. The Thunderbolts, made up of lesser-known villains and antiheroes, face an opponent whose raw power significantly outmatches theirs, emphasizing the growing stakes of their confrontation.
As depicted in the trailer, the Void’s abilities are staggering; with a mere flick of his hand, he transforms citizens into shadowy figures. This process, reminiscent of Thanos’ infamous Snap, occurs with unnerving swiftness, leaving behind only silhouettes. However, it remains murky whether the Void is indeed eliminating these individuals, or if there is a different fate awaiting them.
The Fate of New Yorkers
Could There Be a Less Grisly Outcome?
The implications for New Yorkers are dire, as the Void’s actions seem devastatingly destructive. If MCU lore holds true, we may be witnessing a character whose capabilities rival even the likes of Thanos. Yet, Marvel might adopt a softer approach, suggesting that those affected by the Void are not being killed but rather banished. This idea intersects nicely with the ongoing Multiverse Saga, potentially linking the Void’s actions to another layer of the MCU narrative.
If the Void’s victims are dispatched to a metafictional limbo – sometimes referred to as the “Metaphysical junkyard”– it may provide a plausible explanation for why top-tier heroes like Spider-Man and Daredevil are missing from the scene. Their absence could very well reflect their own battles against this sudden threat.
Exploring Theories for Spider-Man and Daredevil’s Absence
The Heroes May Have Been Banished
The Void appears to be casting an overwhelming darkness over Manhattan, raising concerns about the ultimate fate of those caught in its grasp. This shadow seems all-encompassing, suggesting that even heroes like Spider-Man and Daredevil could fall victim to its reach. Such a premise is not only dramatic but also aligns with the established lore surrounding the Void’s destructive potential.
Should Spider-Man and Daredevil not emerge at a critical moment, the narrative offers room for speculation. The notion that the two heroes are unable to respond quickly due to the suddenness of the Void’s attack could justify their absence, making way for the Thunderbolts to intervene. They are, after all, positioned to tackle threats from a unique vantage point, as they’re less tied to the New York scene compared to their more established counterparts.
Another Angle: They Could Be Occupied
The Occupied Hero Trope
The MCU often leans on the trope of heroes being ‘otherwise occupied’ to explain their absence from pivotal moments. In the case of Thunderbolts*, it may very well be that both Spider-Man and Daredevil are simply preoccupied with their respective battles in the city. The unpredictable nature of the Void’s onslaught raises questions about their ability to respond in time.
Additionally, Daredevil: Born Again may conclude with scenarios that prevent Matt Murdock from stepping in. Despite the size of New York, the chaos instigated by the Void could overwhelm any single hero before they can organize a defense. If Thunderbolts* overlooks this absence, future entries like Spider-Man 4 or a sequel to Daredevil: Born Again might explore these gaps — or perhaps even include surprise appearances in the film, akin to Daredevil’s cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
In conclusion, while Spider-Man and Daredevil’s absence from Thunderbolts* raises valid concerns, their reappearance in future projects is likely. Regardless of how the narrative unfolds, there’s significant potential to explore the implications that arise from the Void’s ultimatum on the streets of New York.