The Thunderbolts* Post-Credits Scene Spells Doom for One Marvel Superhero Team - Vulture
Thunderbolts Review: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The release of Thunderbolts, directed by James Gunn, marked a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film served as both a standalone movie and an extension of the larger MCU narrative. As we delve into the world of Thunderbolts, it becomes clear that this movie is more than just a superhero flick – it's an intricate puzzle piece designed to bring together disparate threads within the MCU.
The Title: A Hint at What Lies Within
Upon its release, fans took notice of the asterisk (*) appended to the title Thunderbolts. This subtle detail has sparked curiosity among enthusiasts and has been the subject of much speculation. In the movie's closing credits, we finally receive an explanation for this asterisk. The film reveals that the asterisk represents a codename or designation assigned to the team by S.H.I.E.L.D.
This twist serves as a reminder that even in a world filled with superheroes and supervillains, there are those who work behind the scenes to manage these powerful entities. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s involvement is crucial in understanding the events unfolding within the Thunderbolts universe.
A Team Assembled from the Ashes of HYDRA
The story centers around an elite group of anti-heroes, each with their own unique skills and motivations. This team, known as the Thunderbolts, consists of:
- Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) / Yelena Belova
- Red Guardian (Yakov Yulianov)
- Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier)
- Bill Foster (Hercules)
- Alexei Shostakov (Red Skins)
- Melzi (an unknown, mysterious figure)
The Thunderbolts are formed after the events of Captain America: Civil War, where they operate under the radar, taking on missions that S.H.I.E.L.D. deems too sensitive or morally ambiguous for its own agents.
A New Dynamic: The Thunderbolts' Relationships and Conflicts
As we follow the Thunderbolts team, it becomes clear that their relationships are just as complex as their individual backstories. Each character struggles with their own demons:
- Black Widow and Red Guardian have a complicated history, with Natasha still grappling with her loyalty to S.H.I.E.L.D. and her newfound sense of purpose.
- Bucky Barnes is haunted by his past actions as the Winter Soldier, which led him to join HYDRA in the first place.
- Hercules' struggles are deeply personal, stemming from a traumatic event that left him questioning his own morality.
Throughout the film, these conflicts come to a head as the Thunderbolts face off against their most formidable foe yet: Alexei Shostakov, also known as Red Skins. Their history is marked by tragedy and betrayal, leading to a heated confrontation between these two former allies turned enemies.
The True Enemy: The Main Antagonist Revealed
After introducing various threats throughout the movie, we finally discover that the primary antagonist is none other than Alexei Shostakov, aka Red Skins. His motivations are rooted in a desire for revenge against S.H.I.E.L.D. and its leaders, who he believes wronged him in the past.
Red Skins' actions drive the plot forward, forcing the Thunderbolts to confront their own demons and work together to stop this formidable foe. The team's internal conflicts serve as a crucial aspect of their ultimate victory over Red Skins.
The Post-Credits Scene: A Game-Changer for the MCU
As we conclude our analysis of Thunderbolts, we cannot overlook the post-credits scene that sets the stage for future Marvel movies:
In this pivotal moment, we see Yelena Belova (Black Widow) standing on a cliffside, looking out at an unknown horizon. She is joined by a figure from her past – one who has been absent from our screens for quite some time…
This ominous introduction hints at a potential storyline that could weave together various MCU narratives and characters, setting the stage for what may be the most significant development in the franchise's history.
Conclusion: The Thunderbolts' Impact on the MCU
As we reflect on Thunderbolts, it becomes clear that this film serves as more than just an origin story or character exploration – it's a bridge between different corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By uniting disparate characters and plotlines, Gunn masterfully crafts a narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.
As we move forward into uncharted territory within the MCU, it will be essential to revisit this film and assess how its themes and elements continue to evolve in future movies. For now, Thunderbolts stands as a testament to the versatility and depth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – an ever-expanding tapestry that continues to weave new stories and connections with each passing moment.
The mysterious world of the Thunderbolts has indeed left us with much to ponder, but one thing is certain – we are now fully invested in this extraordinary group of anti-heroes, eager to see where their journey takes them next.