Marvel Studios' Phase 4 has been a little directionless, with the main complaint from fans being that most of these stories aren't linking up the same way they used to. Much of that can probably be blamed on all the many movies and TV shows we're getting being produced at the same time, something that makes it increasingly challenging to have them all seamlessly sync up.
As this Phase nears its end with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, there's been no real mention of The Avengers since we kicked things off with WandaVision. Well, it turns out there's a pretty good reason for that.
There are no Avengers!
Talking during Marvel Studios' D23 presentation on Saturday, Kevin Feige said, "You know, one thing in the Captain America film is that there currently is a world without the Avengers. Sam Wilson finds himself as Cap at a time where there's not an organization of Avengers."
"But just because there's not an organization of the Avengers doesn't mean there's not a group of superheroes in the MCU," he continued. "Not a group, perhaps, as The Avengers but there's a group and they're called the Thunderbolts."
It seems the deaths of Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Natasha Romanoff have led to The Avengers disassembling, though Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings suggested Earth's Mightiest Heroes still meet up occasionally. However, with the Thunderbolts set to fill the void left by the team, it appears the MCU is about to get a very different superhero team.
The Thunderbolts is a much different group to the one many fans expected, though, with the roster primarily made up of Super Soldiers and no outright villains. It's an interesting choice by Marvel Studios, and one that could point to the team actually stepping in to serve as a rival team to The Avengers when they assemble again in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
Who would be your next dream team of Avengers in the MCU?
Which heroes should break bad and join the Thunderbolts?
Check out our top picks by hitting the "Next" button!
5. Hawkeye
Clint Barton has yet to fully atone for his actions between the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and if anyone's got dirt on Hawkeye's time as Ronin, it's probably Val.
The Avenger may have put those dark years behind him during last year's Hawkeye, but the archer's past could still catch up with him! Forcing a beloved Avenger to join her team would be a smart move on Val's part, and it would be a lot of fun seeing Clint forced to work alongside those he would normally be setting out to take down.
Along the way, the original Hawkeye can keep them in check and perhaps even teach his fellow Thunderbolts a few things. The fact Clint has a storied history with the team on the page is also a good indication this is where we'll next see Jeremy Renner in the MCU.
4. Bucky Barnes
Bucky Barnes is clearly done with being manipulated, so something tells us Val won't be able to force him into joining her Thunderbolts. However, we can see him attempting to be part of their ranks for noble reasons, even if it's just to keep an eye on John Walker and Baron Zemo.
We're assuming the team will be made up villains posing as heroes, but if they are actually anti-heroes and those looking for a second chance, then this group would be a perfect fit for Bucky. He probably doesn't see himself as Avengers material, and we could quite easily picture him leading this team into battle...and butting heads with U.S. Agent, of course.
There's always a chance there are plans for Bucky in Captain America: New World Order, but Thunderbolts actually feels like a better fit for the former Winter Soldier.
4. The Vision
The Vision brought back from the dead by S.W.O.R.D. was clearly not the same Vision who died at Thanos' hands five years prior. While Westview's Vision restored his doppelganger's memories, the fact the synthezoid flew off without even checking on Wanda Maximoff indicates he's not himself.
Yes, Vision has his memories again, but with no Soul Stone, we have a feeling his emotions are gone. This would line up with comic books where an emotionless, colourless Vision ended up joining the West Coast Avengers. In the MCU, however, we think it's far more likely the hero joins the Thunderbolts.
It would be fascinating seeing a Vision who believes he's doing the right thing and has no real response to the lack of morals some of his teammates have. This team-up could help restore who he once was or send him down a darker path...either way, we'd like to find out!
2. Moon Knight
When it comes to a hero who could quite easily be manipulated into joining the Thunderbolts, look no further than Moon Knight. While Marc Spector and Steven Grant may have made peace with each other, Jake Lockley is still out there and could be the personality who ends up kicking ass and taking names lives as part of Val's "superhero" team.
Marvel Studios still hasn't confirmed plans for Moon Knight season 2, and if the character is about to make the leap to the big screen, Thunderbolts may be the place to do it.
Moon Knight has never been much of a team player, but this movie could serve as a fantastic platform to better explore who Jake is and what this hero's place in the MCU will be moving forward. Marc and Steven believe themselves powerless, remember, so that third personality does seem the most likely candidate.
1. Daredevil
Between his appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, it's clear Marvel Studios has big plans for Daredevil. Echo is believed to be next for the Man Without Fear, while it's already been confirmed that he'll take centre stage in the 19-episode Daredevil: Born Again.
Given when that series is set to arrive on Disney+, we think it's probably unlikely that Matt Murdock will be part of this team. However, we do think he would be a fun addition to the group, especially as his morals are likely to be far stronger than many of the other members of this group.
It's the character interactions that would be the most fun, though we would love to see Daredevil brought back to the big screen as part of a team as important as this one. If not Thunderbolts, though, fingers crossed there are plans for 'ol Hornhead in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.