From Thunderbolts to New Avengers: A Deep Dive into the MCU’s Evolving Superhero Landscape
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is in a constant state of evolution, introducing new characters, storylines, and team dynamics to keep audiences engaged. One of the most recent and intriguing developments is the transformation of the Thunderbolts into the New Avengers, a shift that has significant implications for the future of the MCU.
The film "Thunderbolts" initially presented the team as a group of anti-heroes and reformed villains brought together by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, also known as Val. The asterisk in the title "Thunderbolts*" was initially interpreted as a sign of the team’s discontent with their assigned name, which proved accurate. However, the asterisk also served as a clever marketing tactic, hinting at the larger shift to come.
As the movie progresses, the team, led by Yelena Belova, grapples with their roles and identities. They ultimately save Bob, the character harboring the powerful Void, from Val’s machinations. In a surprising turn, Val orchestrates a press event to unveil the team as the new Avengers, a move solidified by the end credits that seamlessly transition from the Thunderbolts logo to the New Avengers, accompanied by Alan Silvestri’s iconic Avengers theme.
This transition begs the question: who are the New Avengers in the context of the MCU, and what purpose will they serve?
The New Avengers have a rich history in Marvel Comics. Created in 2005 by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch, the team emerged after the "Avengers Disassembled" storyline, a cataclysmic event that shattered the original Avengers. When Electro attacked the Raft, a prison for supervillains, a new group of heroes spontaneously formed to quell the riot. This initial lineup included Spider-Woman, Daredevil, Luke Cage, Captain America, Iron Man, Sentry, and Spider-Man. The escape of 42 inmates prompted the heroes (minus Daredevil and Sentry) to formally unite as the New Avengers, dedicated to tracking down the missing villains. Wolverine soon joined their ranks.
The New Avengers became a prominent team in the mid-2000s, navigating major events such as the House of M, Civil War, and the Skrull invasion of Earth. The team saw several iterations, and many members of the Thunderbolts cast have been affiliated with the New Avengers in the comics. Notably, Bob/Sentry, Bucky Barnes, and Val’s assistant Mel/Songbird have all been New Avengers at some point. Meanwhile, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, US Agent, Ghost, and Taskmaster have been members of the Thunderbolts.
In the comics, the New Avengers often assembled organically, driven by circumstance and shared goals. The Thunderbolts, on the other hand, typically formed with a specific mission in mind, often under the direction of a particular leader or organization. In the MCU film, the Thunderbolts’ formation has elements of both. Val initially brings the team together to eliminate loose ends and groom Bob into the Sentry. However, their shared experience in saving Bob forges a stronger bond, leading them to embrace a heroic path, mirroring the comics’ themes of villain redemption and anti-heroes striving for good.
The film highlights the need for a new superhero team to protect America. However, the post-credits scene introduces complications, revealing a trademark dispute with Sam Wilson, the current Captain America. Sam apparently has his own team of Avengers, including his protégé Joaquin Torres as the new Falcon. These developments suggest a complex political landscape within the MCU, where multiple teams vie for recognition and legitimacy.
The post-credits scene also hints at a larger threat on the horizon: a rocket potentially containing the Fantastic Four. This sets the stage for the inclusion of both the New Avengers and the Fantastic Four in "Avengers: Doomsday," a film that seems to draw inspiration from Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic’s 2015 multiverse-focused event, "Secret Wars." The New Avengers also played a significant role in the buildup to that event, with Hickman’s 2013 relaunch focusing on the Illuminati, a group dedicated to preventing multiversal incursions.
Given the inclusion of Reed Richards, Beast, Professor X, and Namor in "Doomsday" and their prior association with the Illuminati, it is possible that MCU version of the group may appear in the film. During the lead-up to Secret Wars, Sunspot formed his own team of New Avengers to address the threat and resolve the conflict between the Avengers and the Illuminati.
After the Marvel universe’s rebirth after "Secret Wars," the New Avengers were rebranded as the U.S. Avengers from 2017-2018. This team was characterized by its focus on American interests. Val’s emphasis on an America-focused team suggests the cinematic New Avengers may reflect the spirit of this offshoot.
The future of the New Avengers in the MCU remains uncertain beyond "Doomsday" and its sequel, "Secret Wars." However, Val has successfully delivered the team she promised, and the New Avengers have a chance at redemption, with the added leverage over Val should she betray them.
The transition from Thunderbolts to New Avengers marks a significant shift in the MCU’s superhero landscape, paving the way for new stories, character dynamics, and potential conflicts. As the MCU continues to expand, the New Avengers have the potential to become a key player in shaping the future of this ever-evolving universe. Their journey promises to be filled with challenges, triumphs, and the constant struggle to define their place in a world that desperately needs heroes.
