If you’re a fan of caped crusades and superhero ensembles, you’ve surely seen Marvel’s Thunderbolts, which premiered in theaters back in May. The film, which stars an array of newly-established MCU anti-heroes, is the latest in a long line of ensemble pieces for the growing cinematic universe. Now that the Disney team is ramping up to another pair of Avengers outings in 2026 and 2027, fans everywhere are wondering exactly how films like Thunderbolts, Deadpool & Wolverine and The Fantastic Four: First Steps will align the chessboard for the action to take place.
In case you missed Thunderbolts in theaters, the film is now available to stream exclusively on Disney+, meaning now is the perfect time to catch up. So, let’s take a moment to unpack the plot, characters and ending of Thunderbolts, to see what we can learn about the future of the MCU.
What does the * mean at the end of ‘Thunderbolts’?
Eagle-eyed fans may have spotted an asterisk in the title of Thunderbolts in marketing materials, posters and trailers. For many, this was a great mystery heading into the movie. Of course, those who have seen the film all the way through to the end, and took care to stick around after the closing credits, will know that the asterisk is explained by the characters themselves.
During the final act of the film, CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine crowns the Thunderbolts crew the “New Avengers.” This tongue-in-cheek rebranding is then dashed when Sam Wilson, AKA the new Captain America, sends a cease and desist letter informing the gang that this name change would infringe upon an existing trademark. The Thunderbolts then begin to brainstorm ways to circumvent this litigation, pitching slight changes like “New AvengerZ,” until they’re called away on business.
Effectively, the asterisk denotes the Thunderbolts’ implied insistence that they are the New Avengers, while acknowledging that they have no legal right to use this name. It’s a great character-building moment, and it’s consistent with the rough-around-the-edges vibe that this ragtag group brings to the table.
The team consists of Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Red Guardian, Ghost and Bob (AKA Sentry). Each of these characters is a reluctant hero with a dark past. Most of these characters have killed civilians, or committed heinous crimes that have made them a target for law enforcement agencies and international tribunals. It’s safe to say they’re a far cry from Steve Rogers and Thor, though they eventually grow into something resembling a family by the time the credits roll.
Why did they kill Taskmaster in ‘Thunderbolts’?
If you followed the marketing for Thunderbolts ahead of the film’s release, you may have expected Taskmaster to play a crucial role in the film, as the major character has appeared in numerous MCU outings. Unfortunately, Taskmaster is killed early on when Valentina Allegra de Fontaine sets a trap for each of the Thunderbolts to take each other out. The shady CIA head originally intended to use these foot soldiers to clean up her involvement in illegal weapons manufacturing and testing, only to order them each to kill each other to close any loose ends. When they all cross paths in the first act of the film, a shootout ensues, and Ghost manages to get the drop on Taskmaster before the dust can settle.
Eventually, Yelena manages to talk everyone else into a ceasefire, and surmises that the entire engagement was a setup orchestrated by their mutual boss. The gang also accidentally frees Bob, a man who was experimented on by Valentina’s goons. This sets the entire plot of the film into motion, as the soldiers take up arms against Valentina, and Bob experiences a strange reaction to his newfound powers.
Director Jake Schreier explained that he decided to kill Taskmaster early in the film in order to raise the stakes for the remainder of the narrative. Some Marvel films have garnered a reputation for playing things a little too safe, and Schreier wanted to ensure that the audience would be on the edge of their seats for this one. By eliminating a major character, Thunderbolts showcases some high consequences and sets the stage for a darker, more gritty superhero outing than some audiences are used to.
Where are the Avengers in ‘Thunderbolts’?
If you’re a casual Marvel fan, you may wonder why the OG Avengers don’t get involved in some of the newer films. For instance, in Thunderbolts, Bob succumbs to his void abilities and begins wreaking havoc on New York City. He floats around town like a terrifying shadow demon and tortures innocent civilians by locking them in a nightmare dimension where they experience their worst fears and traumas over and over again. The Thunderbolts are dispatched to stop him eventually with the power of love, friendship and healing. It sounds a little corny when it’s spelled out that way, but that’s sort of the theme of the film.
Though most would agree that Bob is an Avengers-level threat, none of the OG MCU crew show up to stop him. This is because most of those characters have died, retired or found themselves mired in other responsibilities. 2019’s Avengers: Endgame showcased the demise of multiple fan-favorite characters, concluding with the permanent death of Tony Stark, Black Widow and even Steve Rogers.
Over the course of the last few MCU outings, Sam Wilson has been building a new team of Avengers, but he’s had his work cut out for him. Multiple threats from the government, U.S. armed forces and foreign interests have kept him from maintaining focus, resulting in a weak shadow of the former Avengers. This will surely be rectified by 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, likely with the addition of the Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four and others.
Are there two endings in ‘Thunderbolts’?
Like many films in the Marvel catalogue, Thunderbolts has not one, but two post-credit scenes. One scene, as referenced above, centers on the crew receiving a cease and desist from Sam Wilson. The other scene is less focused on progressing the narrative of the MCU and instead offers a bit of world-building.
It follows Alexei Shostakov, AKA the Red Guardian, as he goes grocery shopping. He stumbles upon a box of Wheaties breakfast cereal with his face on it. Shostakov begins pressuring his fellow shoppers into buying this box, rather than whatever other products they’re grabbing off the shelves in a flaccid attempt to promote his brand. It’s a humorous way to showcase the Red Guardian’s day-to-day life, while also highlighting how quickly the capitalist machine functions within the fictional world of Earth-616.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bob in Thunderbolts?
Bob, as portrayed by Lewis Pullman, is a key character in Thunderbolts. After being experimented on by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and her team, he develops god-like powers and becomes an anti-hero known as the Sentry. Unfortunately, his traumatic past with drug addiction, self-loathing and mental health issues causes him to lose control of his powers, which results in him harming random civilians during the climactic conflict of the film. Bob ultimately survives his run-in with the Thunderbolts and effectively joins the team himself. For now, there’s no way to know if he’s cured of his dangerous abilities, but he’ll surely be an asset to the Avengers during Doomsday.
Is Sentry stronger than Thor?
Power levels in the MCU are very difficult to quantify and often change based on each narrative. Depending on who you ask, Sentry might wipe the floor with Thor, or he might be overpowered faster than you can say Mjölnir. Since Thor is one of the few OG Avengers still alive and kicking, we’ll likely have a chance to see these characters back-to-back on the battlefield in future adventures.
Is Sam Wilson an Avenger?
Yes, Sam Wilson is an Avenger. He was chosen as a successor to Captain America in the final moments of Avengers: Endgame, and has since taken on the mantle. According to the Thunderbolts post-credit scene, Wilson is building a new team of Avengers to protect the world from all foreign and domestic threats. For now, there’s no official roster, though we can likely surmise that heroes such as Spider-Man, Shang-Chi and Ant-Man are on the shortlist.
