From their Disney+ series to most recent films, Marvel has been teasing what could be the top secret connection between Black Panther: Wakanda Forever revealed that the Contessa is also Director of the CIA, which may hint that Thunderbolts is a CIA program. With the Avengers sanctioned under the United Nations to fight for the global good, Thunderbolts could be a team solely focused on fighting for the good of the United States. Whether this team, largely composed of former soldiers, fights publicly or covertly may depend on what happens in Captain America: New World Order.
In the comics, the Thunderbolts introduced themselves to the world when the Avengers were out of the picture. Just who or what will put the Avengers out of commission this time will likely surface in Captain America: New World Order, just like how Captain America: Civil War saw the Avengers disband. Considering Thunderbolts comes out after Captain America: New World Order, it could be that the “Justice Like Lightning” team is on a path to clash with the Avengers to determine who serves the greater good. However, if the Contessa is at the helm of the Thunderbolts, the greater good may only be defined as the sole interests of the United States.
Captain America 4 & Thunderbolts Stand Side-By-Side
Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, will battle General "Thunderbolt" Ross in Captain America 4. This conflict could spark the divergence between the Avengers and future Thunderbolts , revolving around whether the Avengers are truly protecting the interests and national security of the United States. If not, then surely a team must be assembled, and the Contessa may already be grooming them as covert operatives.
Will There Be A Common Story Running Through These Two Marvel Movies?
The Thunderbolts have a long and troubled history in the comics as villains posing as heroes finally becoming heroes, as mercenaries, and as government-sanctioned heroes. The often struggled to define their own sense of justice while meeting the demands of whoever commissioned the team. be a better Captain America than Steve Rogers. However the conflict unfolds between Captain America: New World Order and Thunderbolts, Sam's conviction will likely be pitted against General Ross, weighting what's best for the United States and not just the global community that Sam also stands for.
It's possible a glimpse of what could unfold in Thunderbolts was shown with the tension of Bucky Barnes and John Walker fighting each other in the middle of busting crime in Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Sam's loyalty to the United States may even come under fire as he moves forward to define himself as the new Captain America in Captain America: New World Order. With new threats and supervillains coming into play, the United States, like all other nations, will have to protect itself, bolster its defenses, and possibly even complete General Ross' Red Hulk transformation. All of this could fuel the Contessa's quest to build a wetwork team of heroes and, if staying true to the comics, also villains to better serve the government's interests either publicly or covertly in Thunderbolts.
