Spoilers for Marvel’s Thunderbolts* lie forward, so be warned, Marvel Cinematic Universe followers.
After months of anticipation, Thunderbolts* lastly debuted as a part of the 2025 film schedule earlier this month. It’s since been hailed as a return to type for the MCU, and for good purpose. The Jake Schreier-directed superhero flick provides up an thrilling story, wonderful spectacle, deep themes and a bunch of pleasurable characters. In terms of that remaining level, there’s one protagonist who actually sees enchancment – John Walker a.ok.a. U.S. Agent. Actually, the movie treatments one main problem I initially had with John.
How Did Thunderbolts* Repair John Walker For Me?
John Walker, who’s performed completely by Wyatt Russell, was launched in 2021’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (which may be streamed with a Disney+ subscription). That restricted sequence sees Walker named the brand new Captain America after Sam Wilson, who Steve Rogers handed his defend onto, turned down the position. Walker’s position is comparatively simple, as he serves as one thing of a foil to Sam and to a lesser extent, his future teammate, Bucky Barnes.
I used to be excited to see Walker added to the MCU and, even after the aforementioned present’s run ended, I used to be excited by the prospect of John returning for a film like Thunderbolts*. Nonetheless, I took problem along with his characterization in some locations, as he felt a bit uneven. On the one hand, he’s meant to be clean-cut and noble and solely not directly serving as a heel. With that stated, it additionally felt just like the writers wished him to be one thing of an antihero who might get his arms soiled, as evidenced by him murdering somebody with Cap’s defend.
What I respect about Walker’s newest outing is that his character feels much more constant this time round. As a substitute of doing no matter they may they may to make John likable, Jake Schreier and screenwriters Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo lean into his extra unsavory qualities. For starters, the conflict veteran is a little more smug right here and even condescends to the likes of Yelena Belova and Ava Starr. He’s additionally extremely impolite to the meek Bob, who even refers to Walker as an “asshole.” Did I additionally point out that John, together with Ava, additionally takes Taskmaster’s weapons after her loss of life on the latter’s arms?
To place it merely, I really like the truth that Walker’s jerk-like qualities are emphasised in Thunderbolts* along with the morally grey space he exists in in comparison with different MCU characters. It additionally helps that he generates humor via his occasional boring wit. And what’s ironic is that with the writers totally committing to his character, it’s simpler to purchase into the character and finally care about him. With a bit of luck, we’ll see that carry over into the extremely anticipated Avengers: Doomsday.
John Walker Is Headed For An Avengers Film
By the top of Thunderbolts*, Walker and his cohorts are left in a really intriguing place, as they’re named the New Avengers. The Anthony and Joe Russo-directed post-credits scene ultimately exhibits the crew going through a trademark lawsuit from Sam Wilson (whose relationship with Bucky Barnes could or is probably not strained due to this authorized matter). John is, after all, nonetheless with the crew in the course of the post-credits stinger, which picks up 14 months after the occasions of the movie’s most important occasions, and he seemingly stays unchanged personality-wise.
One thing that makes the Avengers movies so enjoyable is the prospect of seeing so many MCU characters come collectively for a single cinematic occasion. With that, viewers see personalities conflict and vibe in the absolute best methods. So I’m enthusiastic concerning the prospect of seeing the well-meaning however some blockhead-ish Walker combine it up with the likes of the Incredible 4 or the returning X-Males characters. I can’t assist however chuckle over the prospect of him assembly no-nonsense characters like Ben Grimm (The Factor) or Professor X.
After all, I don’t know precisely what lies forward for Walker in Avengers: Doomsday and probably its follow-up, Secret Wars. I’m keen to seek out out, although, and hope that the movie manages to construct on the very good manner he’s depicted in Thunderbolts*. (And what would make me even happier is that if somebody manages to seek out that man a good defend as properly.)
Whereas Thunderbolts* is enjoying in theaters now, Avengers: Doomsday is now in manufacturing and set to hit cinemas on Might 1, 2026. Within the meantime, learn up on different upcoming Marvel films.