Prepping For Marvel’s Thunderbolts*? Watch These MCU Films First
A team of six unconventional characters walking the line between hero and villain set out on a mission that makes them face their dark pasts in Thunderbolts*. As we wait for the new Marvel film to come out on May 2, here is a guide to the movies and shows you should watch to get to know these characters.
Black Widow
The coolest little sister anyone can have. Her big sister Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) was an original member of The Avengers. Watch Black Widow to understand how Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh, became part of the story as she defeated the Red Room. Her next chapter unfolds in the series Hawkeye, where Yelena comes back from the Blip and finds herself mourning her sister — and driven by revenge. Thunderbolts* begins as she struggles with the loss and tries to find meaning in her life again.
Black Widow also introduces us to Red Guardian, played by David Harbour, as Natasha and Yelena’s father. A nice family reunion! Kind of. Well, what’s a reunion without some drama? His backstory leads us through the theme of wanting to do the right thing, but it was for the wrong people. Then there’s Antonia Dreykov, played by Olga Kurylenko. Sadly, an event led to Antonia’s transformation to the Taskmaster. Her character holds photographic reflexes, which makes it harder for her opponents in battle as she can duplicate movements in hyper speed.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
A personal favorite! Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, is introduced in the first Captain America: The First Avenger where we see him as Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) good friend. As you follow through to each Captain America movie, the plots follow Bucky’s journey to Hydra and his friendship with Steve. Watch The Falcon and The Winter Soldier series to learn how Bucky is adjusting to life without his best friend and how he plans to change his life.
Then there’s John Walker, played by Wyatt Russell. He’s brought in as an attempt at bringing forth a new Captain America, but when John comes into that role it doesn’t go as planned. While his actions may be unjust, Thunderbolts* may give him the redemption arc he needs.
Ant-Man and the Wasp
To be introduced to Ghost who gained invisibility and intangibility powers, watch Ant-Man and The Wasp. After being caught in a laboratory accident that left her body in a constant state of molecular disequilibrium, Ava Starr, played by Hannah John-Kamen, deals with moral conflicts while wanting a cure.
