Thunderboltsbrings together some of the most complex, morally gray characters in theMarvel Cinematic Universe– each of whom has ties to previous storylines fromthe MCU timeline.This darker MCU team-up film stars characters like Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, U.S. Agent, and Red Guardian. As such,the MCU’sThunderboltswill build on key character developments and plot points from earlier Marvel entries.
Unlike the Avengers, theThunderbolts are a black-ops teammade up of reformed villains, former enemies, and antiheroes operating in the gray area of morality. This group was first teased in Phase 4, as various characters were subtly recruited or nudged toward government-sanctioned missions. The idea seems to be part of a broader U.S. response to the global fallout from the Blip and the absence of the Avengers, with the government trying to build its own super-powered task force.
10Valentina Allegra De Fontaine Is Director Of The CIA
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, Black Widow, & Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Introduced inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldierand expanded inBlack WidowandBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has emerged asa major puppet master in the MCU’s post-Endgame political landscape. A master manipulator and recruiter, Valentina serves as Director of the CIA by the time ofWakanda Forever, positioning her at the center of global power games involving Vibranium, intelligence agencies, and powered individuals.
Her recruitment of U.S. Agent (John Walker) and interest in Yelena Belova reveals a broader plan to form a team capable of executing missions the Avengers never could—or wouldn’t. She’s cold, calculated, and morally flexible, making her a key architect of the Thunderbolts. Viewers should expect her influence to shape not only the missions the Thunderbolts undertake, butthe ethical lines the team might cross in the process.
9Bucky Barnes Was Pardoned And Is Now A US Congressman
Captain America: Brave New World
Following the events ofThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes – formerly the Winter Soldier – was officially pardoned for his past actions as a brainwashed Hydra assassin. The Disney+ series focused on his attempt to make amends through therapy, justice, and self-awareness. In the time since, Bucky has taken a surprising turn into the world of politics, and by his cameo inCaptain America: Brave New World,was running for US Congress.
This new role represents a major shift for the character, but it’s not without tension. Bucky’s history as a weapon of war, combined with his evolving moral compass, puts him in a unique position: both a policymaker and an operative. It’s clear from theThunderbolts*trailer that Bucky is still engaging in heroics, so he will bebalancing his political endeavors with vigilante duties.
8Yelena Belova Is Grieving The Loss Of Her Sister, Natasha Romanoff
Black Widow
Yelena Belova’s arc is deeply shaped by the loss of Natasha Romanoff, the original Black Widow. As seen inBlack Widow, Yelena was Natasha’s adoptive sister who was freed from the Red Room’s mind control,reuniting briefly with her sister before Natasha sacrificed herselfinAvengers: Endgame. Yelena’s grief is complex and still raw, especially considering she was manipulated into targeting Clint Barton – something explored inHawkeye.
Yelena’s emotional volatility and unresolved trauma make her a standout character within the Thunderbolts. Unlike her sister, Yelena doesn’t idealize heroism, viewing espionage and violence as survival tools. While she may still carry Natasha’s values deep down, her grief and cynicism make her unpredictable,especially within a team dynamicthat’s already full of clashing agendas.Thunderbolts*is set to explore how she channels – or suppresses – that pain.
7Yelena Belova Works As An Operative For Val
Black Widow & Hawkeye
SinceBlack Widow, Yelena Belova has been quietly working as an operative under Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, taking on covert missions and assassinations. This alliance was revealed in the post-credits scene ofBlack Widow, where Valentina manipulates Yelena into targeting Clint Barton, suggesting he was to blame for Natasha’s death. While Yelena may not fully trust Val, she appears to accept the nature of her work– and the paycheck that comes with it.
Yelena’s contract killer status shows that she’s operating outside the law but still within an organized system. By the time the team comes together, Yelena is already accustomed to high-risk black ops. What remains unclear ishow long she’s willing to stay under Val’s thumb, especially after the misinformation regarding Natasha’s death. Yelena’s loyalty is still fluid, and that ambiguity could be critical to the Thunderbolts’ internal dynamics.
6Taskmaster Was Brainwashed In The Red Room
InBlack Widow, audiences were introduced to Antonia Dreykov, better known as Taskmaster, a lethal assassin with the ability to mimic any fighting style. Antonia was brainwashed by her father, General Dreykov, as part of the Red Room’s covert training program. Like other Red Room operatives, Antonia had no agency – her body and mind wereenslaved via chemical mind control and technological enhancements.
Her skills were downloaded into her via neural implants, making her a living weapon. By the end ofBlack Widow, Natasha helped free Taskmaster from her father’s control using the Red Dust antidote. However, her future was left uncertain. Now, as a member of the Thunderbolts, Antonia isseeking her own identity, grappling with years of psychological trauma and conditioning she never chose. This past will likely influence how she operates within a morally ambiguous team like the Thunderbolts and was last seen in the care of freed Black Widows.
5Ghost Needs Quantum Energy To Become Stable
Ant-Man And The Wasp
Ava Starr, aka Ghost, was introduced inAnt-Man and the Waspas a victim of a quantum accident. After her father’s failed experiment, her body was left in a constant state of molecular instability – she can phase through matter butexperiences chronic pain and the threat of disintegration. The only thing keeping her alive was a containment suit developed by SHIELD. She was desperate for quantum energy, believing it could cure her condition.
With Janet van Dyne’s return from the Quantum Realm, Ava received a temporary infusion of quantum energy, granting her relief. However, the fix wasn’t permanent, and Ghost remains dependent on regular exposure to quantum energy to stay stable.Ant-Man and the Waspended with Ghost going into hiding and the eponymous heroes attempting to harvest quantum energy to assist her. However, the heroes were interrupted by the Snap andGhost hasn’t emerged since.
4Red Guardian Was Yelena’s Father On A Long Undercover Operation
InBlack Widow, Alexei Shostakov – better known as the Red Guardian – was revealed to be the Soviet Union’s answer to Captain America. During the ’90s, he was sent to the U.S. aspart of a deep-cover operation alongside Melina Vostokoff, with young Natasha and Yelena posing as their children. Though the mission was a sham, Alexei genuinely grew to love the girls.
Following the mission’s end, Alexie was imprisoned in Russia and largely forgotten by the government he served. When he reunites with Yelena years later, their relationship is strained but laced with affection. Red Guardian is a flawed,boastful relic of Cold War superpower games, but his paternal instincts remain genuine. His dynamic with Yelena – equal parts comic relief and emotional anchor – will be essential inThunderbolts*as they navigate working within a team.
3After Losing The Captain America Shield, John Walker Was Recruited By Val
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
John Walker made his debut inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldieras the U.S. government’s hand-picked successor to Captain America. Though a decorated soldier, he quickly proved unstable under pressure, culminating in aviolent, public murder of a Flag-Smasher using Cap’s shield. Disgraced and stripped of the Captain America title, Walker was at his lowest when approached by the mysterious Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
Val offered him a second chance – this time as U.S. Agent, a more shadowy and government-aligned version of Captain America. Her recruitment pitch hinted at a new team being formed to handle missions the Avengers wouldn’t touch. Walker accepted,seeking redemption and a sense of purpose. InThunderbolts*, he’ll serve as the team’s military-minded bruiser, though his volatility and thirst for approval may once again prove dangerous in high-stakes situations.
2Ghost Worked As A Stealth Operative For SHIELD For Many Years
Before the events ofAnt-Man and the Wasp, Ava Starr was a highly trained operative for SHIELD – albeit one kept off the books. Raised and mentored by SHIELD scientist Bill Foster, Ghost was used for covert missions where herphasing ability gave her a unique advantage. She was essentially a living ghost, able to infiltrate high-security areas, gather intel, and eliminate targets with minimal detection. However, her work was not driven by patriotism – it was survival.
SHIELD promised her treatment for her condition in exchange for service, but after the agency’s collapse duringCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, Ava was left without support. This betrayalcontributed to her mistrust of institutionsand her desperation inAnt-Man and the Wasp. Now, withThunderbolts*, she’s being drawn back into dangerous operations – but this time, she might be fighting more for herself than any government.
1The US Government Has A Long History Of Trying To Create Super-Soldiers
Ever since Steve Rogers became Captain America during World War II, the U.S. government has been obsessed with replicating the Super-Soldier Serum. This pursuit has led to morally dubious experiments, shadow programs, andtragic failures throughout the MCU’s history. Isaiah Bradley, revealed inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, was subjected to cruel testing in the 1950s, while Bruce Banner’s Hulk transformation stemmed from attempts to recreate the serum.
John Walker was the most recent official recipient, though he obtained it illegally. InThe Incredible Hulk, General Ross spearheaded efforts to make Abomination. The obsession reveals a pattern: America’s desire to control power through enhanced soldiers,regardless of the human cost. Val’s team inThunderbolts*seems like the next chapter in this legacy – an expendable unit made up of enhanced or rogue operatives who can do the dirty work official heroes can’t.
