With Thunderbolts hitting theaters on May 2, Marvel fans are buzzing about which characters will make the final roster.
While the MCU’s version of the team is already confirmed, plenty of familiar characters from past Marvel projects have deep comic book ties to the Thunderbolts—and some may still show up in a future sequel or spinoff.
The Thunderbolts first debuted in the comics as a group of villains posing as heroes, led by Baron Zemo. Over time, the team evolved into a mix of anti-heroes and reformed criminals doing the missions other teams wouldn’t touch.
Across multiple iterations, several Marvel characters seen in the MCU have worn the Thunderbolts badge—even if only briefly.
Here are 10 Marvel Cinematic Universe characters who were Thunderbolts in the comics:
Baron Zemo
In the comics, Zemo was the mastermind behind the original Thunderbolts team. He rebranded the Masters of Evil with heroic identities to deceive the world. Eventually, many of his teammates turned on him. Given his complex MCU history and comic book origins, fans were surprised when Daniel Brühl’s Zemo didn’t make the initial Thunderbolts* movie lineup.
Bullseye
Best known for his role in Daredevil, Bullseye joined a government-sanctioned version of the Thunderbolts during Marvel’s “Civil War” era. Tony Stark used him as a deadly enforcer under strict supervision. The character later joined the Dark Avengers. Wilson Bethel’s version from Daredevil: Born Again could still transition into the MCU proper.
Venom
Both Mac Gargan and Flash Thompson have been Thunderbolts while bonded with the Venom symbiote. While Sony’s Venom isn’t directly part of the MCU, the symbiote’s brief appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home opens the door for future crossover potential.
Man-Thing
Seen in Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing (aka Ted Sallis) has had a brief but impactful run with the Thunderbolts in the comics. His powers make him an intriguing wildcard. Reports suggest Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier even wanted him in the 2025 film.
Red Hulk
Thunderbolt Ross (played posthumously by William Hurt and soon by Harrison Ford) becomes Red Hulk in the comics and leads his own Thunderbolts squad. He recruits violent anti-heroes like Elektra, Deadpool, and Agent Venom to try and redeem themselves through force.
Deadpool
While mostly seen with X-Force or operating solo, Deadpool has also joined a Thunderbolts team under Red Hulk’s leadership. His chaotic methods actually fit in well with the team’s murky moral compass—making Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson a strong candidate for future inclusion.
Punisher
Frank Castle doesn’t work well with others, but even he saw value in the Thunderbolts when Red Hulk needed backup. Alongside Deadpool and Elektra, Punisher unleashed his violent justice under a sanctioned banner.
Abomination
The Abomination was recruited into a version of the Thunderbolts under Wilson Fisk during the “Devil’s Reign” storyline. His role? Hunt down unregistered or outlawed heroes. In the MCU, Tim Roth’s Abomination recently reformed—but not too much to rule him out for future Thunderbolts stories.
Luke Cage
In the comics, Luke Cage actually leads a Thunderbolts squad after Hawkeye’s tenure. He brings on heavy-hitters like Juggernaut, Moonstone, and Ghost. While Netflix’s version is no longer canon, his legacy might still carry forward if Marvel reintroduces him to the MCU.
Hawkeye
After Zemo’s initial deception fails, Clint Barton takes over leadership of the Thunderbolts in the comics. He guides the team toward redemption and later recruits America Chavez. Given his time as Ronin and his morally gray history in the MCU, this would be a natural evolution for Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye.
Which of These Characters Should Join the MCU’s Thunderbolts Next?
Did any of these names surprise you? With the Thunderbolts already headed to theaters, there’s still room for more iconic Marvel characters to join future versions of the team. Let us know who you’d like to see suit up next!
