Thunderbolts* Big Game Trailer Reaction

Thunderbolts* had a big trailer during the Superbowl, which revealed a lot more of the team bouncing off one another and feeling the weight of the hard task ahead of them. Audiences finally got a big look at the main threat for the film, The Void, and his more likeable persona The Sentry. He’s a man who literally has the power of the sun, and the Thunderbolts are just a team who can shoot good and punch hard. This naturally poses the question of how this plays out, which could lead to huge possibilities. 

First though audiences get some world building for the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. Valentina Allegra De Fontaine confirms that the Avengers have indeed been disbanded and aren’t coming to save the world to the US Senate. But she has a plan though, as she and Bucky are going to forcefully convince Taskmaster, Yelana, Red Guardian, Ghost and US Agent to fight this threat. It poses a unique question, how does this team of poorly powered individuals somehow overcome The Sentry and The Void, someone who commands godly power. 

Split across this Senatorial hearing (Bucky seems to be going into politics?!), audiences see The Void’s incredible destructive power be unleashed on New York City (which is again being wiped off the map), which is the current threat she’s referring to. It must be a scary time for the world, as there’s nothing they can do to stop this force of nature. It can be seen dragging the city below into the depths in its dark clutches. Audiences only get a brief look at his more heroic form, which is no doubt being saved for the film itself. 

The chemistry between all of the members of the Thunderbolts is amusing, as none of them can see each other’s strengths or seem to even appreciate their presence. This will likely change during the movie, along with the idea that the team simply isn’t powerful enough to even challenge The Void. Humour is common throughout, likely a key part of the film, and it juxtaposes the horrifying acts The Void is committing. There is one notable absence throughout the trailer, which is Taskmaster. She seems to only present for the first action piece, so whether she’ll be killed off early on who knows. It would make sense, especially as her design looks confusingly similar to Ghost. 

Audiences won’t have long to find out if this is the case though, as the film releases on May 2.