The D23 Expo brought Marvel fans plenty of exciting news concerning the future of the MCU, including a first look image that revealed the core cast for Thunderbolts. The movie is set to close out Phase Five of the superhero universe, scheduled for release in July 2024.
In Marvel Comics, the Thunderbolts is a group whose roster is largely filled with former super villains, and the movie cast shows that the MCU will also focus on antiheroes who have already debuted within the franchise. The lineup balances familiar faces like Bucky Barnes with more mysterious figures like Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, setting up a team full of fresh dynamics.
Bucky Barnes - Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
The only member of the announced Thunderbolts team to have debuted in Phase One of the MCU, Bucky Barnes has been a recurring character in the franchise since 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger.
Last seen on-screen headlining The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Bucky's story has been one dominated by themes of morality, whether he's under HYDRA's control or striving to make amends, and it's this internal battle that makes him perfect for the Thunderbolts. Additionally, the character's comic book counterpart once led his own Thunderbolts team, making a compelling case for the MCU's Bucky to try out a new leadership role as well.
Yelena Belova - Black Widow (2021)
Adoptive sister to Natasha Romanov, Yelena Belova joined the MCU in Black Widow, showcasing her fighting prowess as a former member of the movie's titular program and contributing to the story's heart and humor. After losing her sister to the events of Avengers: Endgame, Yelena appeared in Hawkeye seeking vengeance with a dedication that showed her brutality, on the word of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who will join her in Thunderbolts.
Throughout Hawkeye, though, Yelena's levity was also shown, and it's her ability to commit to a deadly mission while still having fun that makes Yelena a great choice for Thunderbolts, providing a counter to figures like Ghost and US Agent, who are generally more serious. One of many characters Yelena would get along with in the MCU, Bucky Barnes will also appear in Thunderbolts, and the pair's shared history (both with Natasha and brainwashing organizations) seems a perfect foundation from which camaraderie could grow.
Ghost / Ava Starr - Ant-Man And The Wasp (2018)
Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, has only featured in one MCU movie so far, as an antagonist in Ant-Man and the Wasp. In the story, she suffered one of the worst things to happen to an MCU villain, molecular disequilibrium, a condition that destabilized her physical form and caused her constant pain.
Ghost ended the movie forced into hiding, but with her condition stabilized, it's not clear if this is a permanent solution or not. Less of a true villain to Ant-Man and the Wasp's protagonists and more of an obstacle, Ghost never had evil intentions but simply wanted to find a cure for herself. Not the sole Thunderbolts character to gain powers with unexpected side effects, Ghost will go into the movie having faced similar trials to characters like John Walker.
Red Guardian / Alexei Shostakov - Black Widow (2021)
The Soviet Union's response to Captain America, Red Guardian is a super soldier that first appeared in the MCU in Black Widow. A man with a military background, he was sent undercover in the US with a fake family that included Yelena Belova and Natasha Romanov.
Given the Red Guardian's animosity towards Captain America and what the hero represents, there's sure to be some clashes between him and US Agent, not to mention Steve Rogers' lifelong friend Bucky, in Thunderbolts. At the same time, though, his connection to Yelena and Taskmaster will help integrate the soldier into the team.
US Agent / John Walker - The Falcon And The Winter Soldier (2021)
A villain from MCU's Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, John Walker was handed the mantle of Captain America after Sam Wilson initially refused the title. After ingesting a super soldier serum that accentuated his violent tendencies, Walker lashed out at one of his foes in a horrific display that later stripped him of his rank and title.
This was not the end of Walker's story, though, as ultimately, his compassion won out, leading him to assist Bucky in capturing the errant Flag Smashers. He was last seen on-screen in conversation with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, seemingly as her first recruit to the new Thunderbolts team, hinting at Fontaine's process for scouting out members who operate outside the law.
Taskmaster / Antonia Dreykov - Black Widow (2021)
As the Black Widow's main villain, Taskmaster's true identity remains a secret for much of the movie, though it is revealed at the story's climax that she is Antonia Dreykov, daughter of the Red Room's leader.
Brainwashed by her father like the Widows, Antonia is freed at the film's end by Natasha Romanov, leaving her at a loose end that makes her a prime candidate for the Thunderbolts. With a skill set that allows her to perfectly mimic her opponent's fighting style, Antonia will bring great versatility to the team, one that the character has used in the comics to great effect as a recurring member of the lineup.
Valentina Allegra De Fontaine - The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
Arguably the most mysterious figure announced as part of the Thunderbolts cast, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine first appeared in the MCU during The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, giving John Walker advice and offering him new opportunities under her supervision. She has since also featured in a Black Widow credits scene, where she gave Yelena information about her sister's death.
Often associated with Nick Fury in Marvel comics, where the character is an accomplished spy with a history working for both SHIELD and HYDRA, Fontaine's unclear motives in the MCU will give Thunderbolts the murky morality that is a distinctive part of the comic book team. A highly intelligent figure with a storied experience in the spy world, her presence in the Thunderbolts will help unite the team and bring them guidance on their missions, whatever they may be.