Thunderbolts’ Early Plans Revealed: U.S. Agent as Red Hulk and the Sentry Switch

The release of Thunderbolts has given audiences a glimpse into the chaotic and unconventional dynamics of Marvel’s newest team of anti-heroes. As the film continues to unfold in theaters, details regarding the film’s creation and the evolution of its story are beginning to surface. Co-screenwriter and story writer Eric Pearson has recently offered insight into the initial concepts for the movie, revealing significant changes that were made during development. These changes involve the role of Taskmaster, the absence of Baron Zemo, and a surprising plan for Wyatt Russell’s character, John Walker/U.S. Agent.

One of the most significant revelations is that U.S. Agent was originally slated to transform into the Red Hulk, serving as the film’s primary antagonist. This transformation was envisioned as a failsafe put in place by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Pearson detailed that Valentina had manipulated Walker, deceiving him into believing he required continuous medication. However, the true purpose of this medication was to secretly plant a "time bomb" within him, allowing Valentina to trigger his transformation into the Red Hulk whenever she deemed necessary.

The intention behind this plot point was to create internal conflict within the team, potentially fracturing their fragile alliance. However, Pearson explained that the writers envisioned it ultimately serving as a team-building exercise. The idea was to take John Walker, the most volatile and unlikeable member of the Thunderbolts, and turn him into a threat so significant that the team would be forced to make a difficult choice: kill him or try to save him. They would ultimately choose the latter, demonstrating their capacity for redemption and solidifying their bond as a team.

Despite the intriguing potential of this storyline, the creative team ultimately decided to abandon it. Pearson stated that the concept "did not feel right." The decision was influenced by the fact that Harrison Ford was also set to portray Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World, making a second Red Hulk appearance in such close proximity feel redundant and uninspired.

With the Red Hulk storyline discarded, the writers needed to find an alternative antagonist and source of conflict for the Thunderbolts. This led to the introduction of a new character: the Sentry. Pearson shared that he had been fascinated by the character since his time in the Marvel Writers Program.

The appeal of the Sentry stemmed from his unique duality. Pearson described the character as a "what if Superman had a version of himself that was as bad as it was good?" This internal conflict, the constant battle between heroic potential and destructive tendencies, mirrored the internal struggles of the Thunderbolts themselves.

Lewis Pullman ultimately landed the role of the Sentry. The character’s arc involves a significant heel turn, forcing the Thunderbolts to confront not only an external threat but also the internal demons that plague them. This mirrors the "heroic ambition versus self-loathing" dynamic that defines each anti-hero. The Sentry’s presence allowed the film to explore these themes without resorting to repeating the Red Hulk plotline.

The decision to replace the Red Hulk with the Sentry represents a significant shift in the film’s narrative. While the Red Hulk storyline focused on Valentina’s manipulation and the team’s ability to overcome external threats, the Sentry introduces a more nuanced exploration of internal conflict and the battle for self-control.

The film’s final form, featuring the Sentry, delves into the complexities of its characters, blurring the lines between hero and villain. The Thunderbolts, a group of flawed individuals forced to work together, are challenged to confront their own inner demons while facing an enemy who embodies the very same struggle. This sets up a dynamic narrative which highlights their moral ambiguity.

The behind-the-scenes details paint a fascinating picture of the creative process involved in bringing Thunderbolts to the big screen. The initial concept of U.S. Agent as the Red Hulk, while ultimately abandoned, highlights the willingness of the writers to explore unconventional and potentially divisive storylines. The decision to replace it with the Sentry demonstrates their commitment to finding the most compelling and thematically resonant narrative possible. As Thunderbolts continues its run in theaters, audiences can appreciate the complex and evolving story that resulted from these creative choices.