Agent, and Red Guardian.

As such,the MCUsThunderbolts*will build on key character developments and plot points from earlier Marvel entries.

Her recruitment of U.S. Shes cold, calculated, and morally flexible, making her a key architect of the Thunderbolts.

Thunderbolts (2025) Official Poster

Yelenas emotional volatility and unresolved trauma make her a standout character within the Thunderbolts.

Unlike her sister, Yelena doesnt idealize heroism, viewing espionage and violence as survival tools.

Yelenas contract killer status shows that she’s operating outside the law but still within an organized system.

Bucky, Yelena and John Walker from Thunderbolts

Custom image by Yailin Chacon

By the time the team comes together, Yelena is already accustomed to high-risk black ops.

Yelenas loyalty is still fluid, and that ambiguity could be critical to the Thunderbolts internal dynamics.

Antonia was brainwashed by her father, General Dreykov, as part of the Red Rooms covert training program.

Thunderbolts - Bucky, Yelena and Red Guardian

Her skills were downloaded into her via neural implants, making her a living weapon.

By the end ofBlack Widow, Natasha helped free Taskmaster from her fathers control using the Red Dust antidote.

However, her future was left uncertain.

Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova in the MCU

The only thing keeping her alive was a containment suit developed by SHIELD.

She was desperate for quantum energy, believing it could cure her condition.

However, the heroes were interrupted by the Snap andGhost hasnt emerged since.

Thunderbolts

Though the mission was a sham, Alexei genuinely grew to love the girls.

Val offered him a second chance this time as U.S.

Agent, a more shadowy and government-aligned version of Captain America.

Thunderbolts Cast In Thunderbolts Poster

Her recruitment pitch hinted at a new team being formed to handle missions the Avengers wouldnt touch.

Walker accepted,seeking redemption and a sense of purpose.

However, her work was not driven by patriotism it was survival.

Headshot Of Florence Pugh In The Premiere Of Dune:Part 2

This betrayalcontributed to her mistrust of institutionsand her desperation inAnt-Man and the Wasp.

This pursuit has led to morally dubious experiments, shadow programs, andtragic failures throughout the MCUs history.

John Walker was the most recent official recipient, though he obtained it illegally.

Headshot Of Sebastian Stan In The A Different Man at the 74th Berlin Film Festival.

InThe Incredible Hulk, General Ross spearheaded efforts to make Abomination.

Cast

Upcoming MCU Movies

01593277_poster_w780.jpg

Movies

Thunderbolts

Marvel Cinematic Universe