Thunderbolts is shaping up to be one of the most unique entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — a gritty, morally complex team-up that draws heavily from past MCU storylines. Featuring antiheroes, reformed villains, and government pawns, this black-ops squad includes familiar faces like Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, and more. Know Before Watching Thunderbolts

Unlike the Avengers, the Thunderbolts aren’t about public heroism. They’re the answer to a post-Blip world, one where governments scramble to regain control by deploying operatives who don’t play by the rules. First hinted at in Phase 4, the team’s formation feels like a strategic move by global powers — and most notably, by one shadowy figure pulling the strings behind the scenes.

10. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine: CIA Director and Puppet Master (Know Before Watching Thunderbolts):

Appeared in: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has slowly become one of the MCU’s most important behind-the-scenes players. Initially introduced as a mysterious recruiter in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, she later resurfaces in Black Widow and Wakanda Forever, where we learn she’s now the CIA Director — and one of the most influential figures in the global intelligence community.

Her recruitment of John Walker and manipulation of Yelena Belova show she’s not forming a superhero team — she’s building a covert strike force that can do the jobs Avengers wouldn’t. Cold, cunning, and morally gray, Val’s influence will define the missions the Thunderbolts undertake and the ethical boundaries they’re willing to cross.

9. Bucky Barnes Is Now a Congressman — But Still Fighting

Appeared in: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Captain America: Brave New World

After earning a pardon in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes worked hard to make amends for his violent past as the Winter Soldier. Now, in a surprising twist, he’s entered the political arena and is running for Congress by the events of Captain America: Brave New World.

Despite this pivot to politics, the Thunderbolts trailer confirms Bucky hasn’t given up heroics. He walks a tightrope between policymaker and vigilante, making his role on the team both complicated and compelling.

8. Yelena Belova’s Journey of Grief and Vengeance

Appeared in: Black Widow, Hawkeye

Yelena’s story has been shaped by loss — particularly the death of her sister, Natasha Romanoff. In Black Widow, we see the bond the sisters shared and how Yelena was freed from Red Room control. That grief turned into rage in Hawkeye, where Valentina tricked her into believing Clint Barton was responsible for Natasha’s death.

Yelena doesn’t see the world in black and white. She doesn’t idolize heroism — she survives. That complexity will play a big role in Thunderbolts, especially as she navigates a team full of clashing personalities and shifting loyalties.

7. She’s Also Val’s Most Dangerous Operative

Appeared in: Black Widow, Hawkeye

Since the events of Black Widow, Yelena has been working as a contract assassin under Val’s command. While she may not trust Val entirely, she’s clearly willing to do the job — for the right reasons or the right price.

Her experience in black-ops makes her a natural fit for the Thunderbolts, but her loyalties are murky. That makes her a potential wild card when missions don’t go as planned. Know Before Watching Thunderbolts

6. Taskmaster Is Searching for Her Identity

Appeared in: Black Widow

Antonia Dreykov, aka Taskmaster, was one of the Red Room’s most tragic weapons. Brainwashed and enhanced to mimic the fighting styles of any opponent, she was used by her father as a literal tool of destruction.

Freed by Natasha at the end of Black Widow, Taskmaster’s future was left open-ended — until now. In Thunderbolts, she’s a team member still grappling with lost agency and trauma. Her past as a mind-controlled killer will deeply affect her dynamics with the rest of the morally gray crew. Know Before Watching Thunderbolts

5. Ghost’s Quantum Instability Makes Her Dangerous and Desperate

Appeared in: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Ava Starr, aka Ghost, became intangible after a quantum accident, suffering from constant molecular instability. Though she briefly found relief from Janet van Dyne’s energy in Ant-Man and the Wasp, the condition wasn’t cured.

Now part of Thunderbolts, Ghost is still in search of stability — both physically and emotionally. She’s been living off the grid, but Val’s team offers a chance at survival, even if it comes with high-risk missions.

4. Red Guardian: A Reluctant Father and Soviet Super-Soldier

Appeared in: Black Widow

Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian, was the USSR’s answer to Captain America. He spent years undercover in the U.S. with Natasha and Yelena in a faux family setup — but the bond he formed with Yelena was very real.

Though mostly comic relief in Black Widow, Red Guardian’s protective side will shine through in Thunderbolts. Expect his father-daughter relationship with Yelena to provide emotional weight amidst all the covert chaos.

3. John Walker Fell From Grace — Then Was Recruited

Appeared in: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

John Walker’s fall from grace was fast and brutal. After killing a Flag-Smasher in cold blood using Captain America’s shield, he was stripped of the title and left disgraced. That’s when Valentina appeared, offering him a second chance — this time as U.S. Agent.

Walker brings military experience and raw strength to the Thunderbolts, but his unstable temperament and need for validation make him a volatile asset.

2. Ghost’s SHIELD Past Adds Layers to Her Story

Appeared in: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Before going rogue, Ghost was a covert operative for SHIELD, used for infiltration missions thanks to her phasing powers. Her work was less about loyalty and more about survival, driven by the promise of a cure that never came.

Her mistrust of institutions and moral ambiguity make her a perfect fit for the Thunderbolts — but also someone who may not follow orders blindly. Know Before Watching Thunderbolts

1. The U.S. Government’s Obsession with Super Soldiers

Appeared in: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, The Incredible Hulk

Know Before Watching Thunderbolts

From Steve Rogers to Isaiah Bradley to Bruce Banner, the U.S. has always been chasing the Super-Soldier dream. These experiments have often resulted in tragedy, with characters like Abomination and John Walker representing how dangerous that obsession can become.

The Thunderbolts are the latest chapter in that legacy: a collection of enhanced operatives doing the dirty work that “real heroes” can’t. Whether they become protectors or pawns is the central question the movie seems poised to explore.

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