Speculation: Thunderbolts Film Deviating From Marvel Comics Lore

The upcoming Thunderbolts movie is set to bring the renowned antihero team from Marvel comics into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, marking their first appearance on the big screen. According to a recent report, the film has already distinguished itself by making alterations to the established canon.

With a long and intricate history in Marvel comics, the Thunderbolts originally consisted of members posing as villains within Baron Zemo's supervillain team. After a reboot in 2012's Marvel NOW!, the team was reimagined as a strike force working under Thunderbolt Ross, showcasing the latest evolution in a series of revisions. Given the team's rich background, fans can anticipate a wealth of storytelling possibilities in the MCU's portrayal of the Thunderbolts.

While details about the Thunderbolts movie plot have been kept secret and updates about the film have been scarce, one surprising aspect for fans is the team's new name. In the past, Zemo's connections to the Red Skull's Nazis and the coolness factor have explained the original Thunderbolts team name, while Thunderbolt Ross' reasons for adopting it have been straightforward. However, social media account CanWeGetSomeToast has revealed that the upcoming MCU team will have a new origin for their name, stemming from Yelena Belova's childhood soccer team. This unique twist on the team's name is a departure from previous iterations and represents an original concept within the MCU canon.

Marvel Thunderbolts - Even while fans pondered what the final Thunderbolts roster would be, it was pretty clear that Yelena would be taking on the most prominent role in the team, at least from a framing perspective

Even as fans speculated about the final Thunderbolts lineup, it was evident that Yelena would play a significant role in the team, especially in terms of framing. This shift in the canon appears to be aimed at highlighting her position, similar to what the comic did with Ross and Zemo. Given Yelena's popularity with fans and her prominence in the MCU, this development is a natural progression and could serve as a strong initial step in elevating Florence Pugh's character to new heights. This enhancement could also benefit the rest of the team and potentially propel them to the level of the original Avengers. However, it remains unclear whether this will be a substantial change or just a humorous nod, consistent with the MCU's comedic tone. Only time will reveal the true direction.

While there is great potential with the new team, Marvel's Thunderbolts must steer clear of resembling a copycat of Suicide Squad at all costs, as audiences have already experienced this scenario twice before. Despite the differences between the two versions of the DC property on the big screen, Thunderbolts must avoid echoing the atmosphere of either film. The success of Thunderbolts will ultimately depend on its ability to establish its own unique identity and achieve success independently.

Thunderbolts is set for theatrical release on May 2, 2025

Source: CanWeGetSomeToast/Instagram

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming Thunderbolts movie has sparked both excitement and intrigue among Marvel fans. The filmmakers' decision to alter the established canon, particularly with the origin of the team's name, is a bold move that could potentially enhance Yelena's character development and elevate the team's significance within the MCU. However, it's crucial that Thunderbolts carves out its own unique identity, avoiding any similarities to the DC property, Suicide Squad. By embracing originality and showcasing the team's diverse strengths, Marvel can create a compelling and captivating cinematic experience.

The article provides a glimpse into the potential storytelling possibilities that the Thunderbolts movie holds. The reimagined origin of the team's name hints at a fresh perspective that could deepen Yelena's character and establish her as a central figure within the group. Marvel's track record of building successful franchises through intricate storytelling and character development bodes well for the Thunderbolts. With a talented cast and a unique premise, the film has the potential to become another captivating addition to the MCU.