As reliable as clockwork and as dependable as the sky being blue, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is making its grand return to movie theaters this weekend. This time, audiences can look forward to Thunderbolts, a film that stars renowned actors including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour. Acting as the concluding chapter of the MCU's Phase Five, Thunderbolts carries significant expectations as it sets the stage for the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which will kickstart Phase Six. Directed by Jake Schreier, this marks the 36th installment in the MCU, amounting to over 70 hours of thrilling superhero cinema. When you throw in numerous TV series, the thought of catching up on this massive franchise can indeed be daunting.
However, worry not! Thunderbolts introduces an eclectic team of characters that may not be familiar to the average MCU audience, yet the film is crafted in a way that doesn’t require extensive prior knowledge. Since Avengers: Endgame wrapped up many of the franchise's long-standing narratives, there's not much ground to cover to prepare for this latest installment. To help you get up to speed, we've compiled a comprehensive Thunderbolts syllabus that includes must-watch films and shows to enhance your viewing experience.
While Thunderbolts embodies the classic team-up movie format akin to The Avengers or Suicide Squad, it centralizes on one primary character: Yelena Belova, portrayed by Florence Pugh. This makes Black Widow (2021) the essential film to watch beforehand. The movie explores the life of Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson), and sheds light on Yelena’s troubled upbringing, illustrating how she became a mercenary struggling with her identity. Pugh's performance is outstanding and serves as the perfect entry point to understanding Yelena’s complex psyche as she navigates her mental health crisis in Thunderbolts.
Additionally, Black Widow introduces us to Red Guardian (played by David Harbour), who is Yelena's father figure and a fellow member of the Thunderbolts team.
Next, we have the other Thunderbolts team members, who play significant yet smaller roles in the film. Ava Starr, known as Ghost (portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen), possesses the remarkable ability to make herself intangible, granting her invisibility, but her powers come at a dire cost—she is physically unstable and unable to lead a normal life. Her backstory is explored in Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), where she pursues the titular heroes due to their connection to the enigmatic quantum energy. This movie effectively fleshes out Ghost’s character, making it a worthwhile watch before diving into Thunderbolts.
Bucky Barnes (played by Sebastian Stan), also known as Winter Soldier, is a fan-favorite character and an integral member of the Thunderbolts. His first major appearance is in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), which delves into his tumultuous backstory and his complex relationship with Captain America (played by Chris Evans). To understand their epic bond and witness Bucky's incredible skills, this film is a must-see. If you find yourself enamored with Bucky's character, he also appears in Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.
If you’re curious about the new Captain America who isn’t played by Chris Evans or Anthony Mackie, then consider watching the Disney+ miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This series explores John Walker’s (played by Wyatt Russell) brief tenure as Captain America and his eventual descent into darkness, which is referenced in Thunderbolts. The series also features significant appearances by both Bucky Barnes and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who plays a crucial role in the new film.
While it may not be the most critically acclaimed entry, Captain America: Brave New World is noteworthy since it precedes Thunderbolts and contains key references that are essential to understanding the film. In particular, the mention of a U.S. president transforming into a red giant is a significant plot point in this upcoming movie. Moreover, it features Harrison Ford, which is always an added incentive for fans!
Although Hawkeye (played by Jeremy Renner) does not appear in Thunderbolts and is not mentioned, the series provides invaluable insight into Yelena’s character, specifically her grief over her sister's death—a theme that heavily influences her actions in Thunderbolts. If you want a deeper understanding of Yelena, Hawkeye is a crucial watch after enjoying Black Widow.
No guide would be complete without mentioning The Avengers (2012), the ultimate team-up film in the MCU. The iconic Avengers Tower is a significant setting in Thunderbolts, and references to “epic fights” that occurred within its walls will resonate with anyone who has seen this classic. If by some chance you haven't watched it yet, make it your top priority, as it stands as a quintessential entry in the superhero genre.
Lastly, while Moon Knight (2022) may seem disconnected from Thunderbolts, it introduces a concept that plays a role in the new film. The series features “shame rooms”—created by Bob, also known as Sentry (played by Lewis Pullman)—that force individuals to confront their most traumatic experiences. This concept is echoed in Thunderbolts, making Moon Knight an interesting watch for those looking to dive deeper.
With this comprehensive syllabus, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy Thunderbolts and fully appreciate the intricate web of characters and storylines within the MCU. Grab your popcorn and get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience!
