With MCU's reports that Florence Pugh's Yelena will be the leader. With the team being a potential vessel for heroes, anti-heroes, villains, or possibly characters from the seemingly non-canon Marvel TV shows, the film could also serve as a lifeline to salvage some forgotten characters from obscurity - including some S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
with fans campaigning to #SaveAgentsOfShield to maintain this show in the 616 timeline canon after recent hints of its non-canonicity to the MCU. Due to the sheer volume of characters in this show, there are many anti-heroes and villains from Agents Of Shield who would be perfect additions to the Thunderbolts team.
Backlash
Marco Scarlotti is Iron Man's nemesis who, after arming himself with cybernetic whips, dubbed himself Backlash. Falk Hentschel portrayed an iteration of this character in Agents Of Shield and was last seen being taken to prison after being defeated by S.H.I.E.L.D. As a result, Backlash is a prime choice for a Thunderbolts' candidate because he is likely to the team to earn back his freedom after his arrest.
Although his character in Agents of Shield wasn't very comic accurate, especially considering he used a rope dart knife as his chosen weapon, this can all be resolved in the main MCU timeline, especially if this character is given Ivan Venko's Whiplash technology last seen in Iron Man 2. If so, he would become a savage asset to this team.
Deathlok
The Deathlok mantle is held by several characters in Marvel Comics, with the character being presented as a hero, anti-hero, and a villain in the past. J. August Richards portrayed Michael Peterson, the show's version of Deathlok, in Agents of Shield and was last seen as a member of S.H.I.E.L.D, who sought to seek redemption for his actions whilst operating as a villain under the control of The Centipede Project.
Due to Deathlok's track record as a villain turned hero, he would make an excellent member of The Thunderbolts as a hero trying to find redemption for his previous evil deeds. Whether the Michael Peterson iteration is canon to the MCU or not, this version or a rebooted version of the character would be an excellent asset to this team, especially due to his cybernetic enhancements and ultimately good heart.
Hellfire
James Taylor James is a descendant of The Phantom Rider, Carter Slade, who inherited the ability to manipulate Hellfire and went on to use these powers to become the anti-hero and often times villain Hellfire. Axle Whitehead portrayed the villainous Hellfire in Agents of Shield, who was last seen being taken into S.H.I.E.L.D custody.
If James' incarceration is canon to the MCU, then he may be inclined to this team in exchange for freedom. Hellfire would be an excellent addition to the MCU's Thunderbolts due to his unique yet incredibly powerful skill set, especially as an alternative to Ghost Rider in a different group like The Midnight Sons or build him up in a solo franchise first before including him in any crossovers.
Blackout
Blackout is a former lab assistant who was given the ability to manipulate the Darkforce after a sudden lab accident, which granted him abilities such as super speed, flight, teleportation, and a plethora of other powers. Patrick Brennan portrayed this villain in Agents of Shield, although this character didn't reach the same potential or wore the same quirky suit as the villain in the comics, before being killed off in an explosion.
But if things were to change, Blackout would have the opportunity to reach his full potential as a more accurate depiction of his comic counterpart. Although this character has never ed The Thunderbolts in the comics, he has ed The Masters of Evil, which proves he is capable of thriving within an ensemble villain team. With such a variety of powers, Blackout is an incredibly flexible villain and can fit many roles in this team, including being the team's speedster or 'magic' wielder.
Graviton
Franklin Hall is a former scientist who became the villain Graviton after acquiring the ability to manipulate gravity. A version of this villain was seen in Agents of Shield portrayed by Ian Hart, who had a short-lived reign before getting trapped within The Gravitonium. The whereabouts of this villain are currently unclear, and the villain is yet to debut in the main MCU timeline.
Although Graviton has never been a member of The Thunderbolts in the comics, he is a reoccurring villain of the team, battling them on many occasions and giving them a run for their money in combat. Due to his affiliation with the team, Graviton could be retconned in the MCU to be a Thunderbolts member, possibly turning on the team and becoming Thunderbolts' unannounced antagonist in an unexpected plot twist.
Mister Hyde
Due to the effects of the Hyde Formula, Calvin Zabo was given the ability to turn into Mister Hyde, a Hulk-like being with super-strength. This character was prominent in Agents of Shield and was portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan. Mister Hyde's current whereabouts are unknown, so, hopefully, he can make his debut in the main MCU timeline soon as a more faithful adaptation.
In the past, Hyde has been recruited as a member of The Thunderbolts Beta Team, implying he may have a chance of ing The Thunderbolts in the MCU as the teams' brawn. When Hyde ed the team, he was among the likes of Luke Cage and Ghost, two characters who are likely to the MCU Thunderbolts due to their pre-existence in the MCU canon. With Red Hulk unlikely to the MCU Thunderbolts after William Hurt's ing, Mister Hyde may be the best alternative as the team's muscular powerhouse.
Blizzard
Blizzard is a super villain who manifests the powers of cryokenises, allowing him to freeze any object he comes into with. Dylan Minette portrayed Donald Gill in Agents of Shield, a S.H.I.E.l.D student who became Blizzard whilst brainwashed by Hydra. Blizzard was last seen cocooned in ice as he sank into the ocean, where his body was never found.
Although Blizzard initially fought The Thunderbolts in the comics on Justin Hammer's behalf, he later became a member of the team when it was led by his close ally, The Beetle. Blizzard has left and reed the team several times during its many iterations, also ing a Thunderbolts team led by Baron Zemo, who is a well-known figure in Phase 4 so far.
Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes)
Robbie Reyes is the fifth hero in Marvel Comics to become Ghost Rider, a hero capable of controlling Hellfire which he uses to serve justice to evil-doers. Gabriel Luna portrayed Robbie Reyes in Agents of Shield and was a prominent character throughout the show until his ambiguous departure in season 4, where he was last seen taking The Darkhold to the Hell Dimension.
As this character was last seen dimension hopping with Darkhold in hand, he could likely debut in the MCU soon after The Darkhold's prominent feature in Dr. Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness. As an important member of The Thunderbolts in the comics, Robbie Reyes has a high chance of ing the team, especially considering he is the only Ghost Rider to be featured in any sort of canon or semi-canon MCU show.
Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)
Johnny Blaze, better known as Ghost Rider, is the most popular version of the character. After dying in a motorcycle accident, The Spirit of Vengeance resurrected Blaze and armed with the Penance Stare and the ability to control Hellfire to allow the hero to seek vengeance and serve justice as The Ghost Rider. Although not explicitly shown in Agents of Shield, this hero did make a cameo during Robbie Reyes' recap of his origin, where Blaze is shown giving Reyes his powers.
Ghost Rider is a prominent member of The Thunderbolts and is a titular member of the teams most iconic comic lineup. After an Easter egg in She-Hulk which suggest Blaze exists within the MCU, it is inevitable that he will become The Ghost Ruder in live-action soon. Due to his comic book history as a Thunderbolt, it is highly likely he will appear in a Thunderbolts' installment somewhere down the line.
