Predicting Who The MCU’s ‘Thunderbolts’ Will be

by Josh Ramos · June 12, 2022

The film was recently rumored on various platforms, and following confirmation by the film’s reported writer, we predict who the MCU’s Thunderbolts will be.

There are few teams in the history of Marvel comics that are as interesting as the Thunderbolts; a team of former villains teaming up to try their hand at the fight for good.

Source: Marvel

With many of the classic members of the team having MCU counterparts that are every bit as compelling and interesting, we predict who the MCU’s Thunderbolts will be, and just what this team could look like in the upcoming film.

How They Come Together

Source: Marvel Studios

We can’t predict the Thunderbolts without first predicting how they come together; with our assumption being that Thunderbolt Ross- and former S.H.I.E.L.D operative turned freelance military contractor Contessa Fontaine- team up to develop an Avengers-style team that fights for their own interests.

Black Widow clearly established that Ross was suffering from a sickness, which would allow Marvel to explain the unfortunate passing of his actor William Hurt; which would then make Contessa continue the team in the spirit of her former partner.

Baron Zemo

Photo: Marvel

One of the constants in the world of the Thunderbolts, Helmut Zemo has often been depicted as one of the leaders of the team in its comic book iterations.

We know, after the Falcon and the Winter Soldier, that Zemo’s status as a villain is slightly misguided, and his actions and personality will be a welcomed addition to a team overflowing with personality and danger.

U.S Agent

Source: Marvel Studios

We saw John Walker recruited by Fontaine at the conclusion of Falcon and The Winter Soldier, which leads us to believe that he will be tasked with leading this team; something that could have mixed results.

John Walker’s heart is often in the right place, the only question being his methods, and willingness to go a bit too far.

Yelena Belova

Source: Marvel Studios

Yet another character that we’ve seen interact with Contessa in the post-credit scene of Black Widow, Yelena was last seen seeking revenge in the Hawkeye series.

Belova is likely working for Fontaine, trying their best to honor her fallen sister’s alliance to the side of good; something that could come into conflict with the motives of the team.

Taskmaster

Source: Marvel Studios

The inclusion of Yelena makes this a little more interesting, as Taskmaster would make perfect sense fighting alongside the Thunderbolts.

Last seen being freed from the mind control of the Black Widow it will be interesting to see if the daughter of Dreykov could work alongside Belova without incident…probably not; which makes this all the more intriguing.

Source: Marvel Studios

An addition that we cannot wait for, Ava Starr is likely been in contact with Thunderbolt Ross and Contessa about joining this newly developing team; something she would be perfect for.

Some of the most visually stunning powers would be on full display, as the character would undoubtedly be one of the strongest and most capable members of the group because of her abilities.

Abomination

Source: Marvel Studios

Last, but certainly not least, is the return of Emil Blonsky’s Abomination; because every Marvel team needs a hulk right?

Blonsky has likely been trying to put his life back together, after being seen getting guidance from Wong, and being the subject of Jennifer Walter’s attempting to rid him of his punishment by the government, this would be a must-have for Contessa and the Thunderbolts

Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine

Source: Marvel Studios

Contessa is the individual we’ve already seen recruit a few of these villains, so it’s safe to assume she will be present, and every Marvel team needs their very own iteration of Nick Fury; especially in the case of these highly volatile, and dangerous, former villains,.

Contessa Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine is a former S.H.I.E.L.D operative that is the perfect strong-willed entity that guides this collective in their mission; with the only question being where her allegiances lie, and who these Thunderbolts will serve.