The Thunderbolts have made a striking return in Marvel Comics’ latest series, introducing a lineup that echoes the cast of the upcoming MCU Thunderbolts movie. While there are similarities in the roster, the comic and the movie diverge significantly in their narratives and missions, offering unique takes on this dynamic team.
The Comic’s New Direction
In the comic, led by Winter Soldier and Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the team embarks on a ruthless mission to eliminate the Red Skull, alias Aleksander Lukin. The roster includes familiar names like Black Widow, White Widow, US Agent, and Destroyer, aligning closely with the MCU’s adaptation. This narrative, however, marks a departure from the MCU storyline, focusing on a more traditional, villain-targeted approach, reflecting the Thunderbolts’ origins as black-ops superheroes.
The MCU’s Cinematic Interpretation
Contrastingly, the MCU Thunderbolts movie, set for a 2024 release, shares several team members with the comic, including Winter Soldier, Yelena Belova, and US Agent. Rumors suggest the movie will pivot away from the comic’s Red Skull storyline, potentially focusing on a new adversary, the Sentry. This direction would differentiate the film from the comic and tie it to various other eras in the Thunderbolts’ history. While the new Thunderbolts comic and the upcoming MCU movie share core members, their narrative paths diverge, reflecting unique interpretations of the team. Both versions maintain the essence of the Thunderbolts but offer distinct experiences, showcasing the team’s versatility in both print and on the big screen. The comic continues its journey with the release of Thunderbolts #2, while fans eagerly await the film’s debut to see how these narratives unfold in their respective mediums.