The Thunderbolts Deleted Scenes that Would've Changed the MCU

Summary

In this video, Ryan Ary discusses behind-the-scenes insights and deleted scenes from a Marvel movie, highlighting the development of characters like Walker, Taskmaster, and Yelena Belova. He reflects on early script decisions, including the original concept for Walker and how the Thunderbolts were initially introduced. The video touches on changes made to character arcs, such as Taskmaster’s reduced role and Yelena's focus, and the tension between CGI action setpieces and maintaining character integrity. Ryan wraps up by asking viewers for their opinions on which deleted scenes should have been kept and whether the character changes were for the best.

Takeaways

• 😀 The character of Walker was initially planned to become a giant monster, which would have overshadowed his core traits, like his arrogance and impact on others.
• 😀 The idea of Walker turning into a monster was ultimately scrapped, as it was considered a distraction from what makes him a compelling character.
• 😀 Originally, Val was supposed to introduce the team as the 'Thunderbolts,' but Kevin Feige changed it to 'the new Avengers,' highlighting the shift in direction.
• 😀 The scriptwriter, Pearson, humorously mentions taking Feige's note about changing the team name and rolling with it, as it was the only direction he was given.
• 😀 There was a debate about whether Taskmaster should have had a larger arc, which suggests some dissatisfaction with the character's role in the final version.
• 😀 The film mostly focused on Yelena Belova, raising the question of whether this focus was the right choice over other characters, such as Taskmaster.
• 😀 The deleted scenes indicate that there were significant shifts in how the movie's characters and arcs were developed during production.
• 😀 Pearson revealed that many of the decisions around the movie's script were influenced by notes from Marvel executives, including Kevin Feige.
• 😀 There was a tension between sticking to character integrity and creating blockbuster action sequences, as seen with the decision to not turn Walker into a monster.
• 😀 The speaker asks viewers for their opinions on which deleted scenes should have been included in the final movie, especially regarding Taskmaster and Yelena Belova.
• 😀 The discussion highlights the balancing act between character development and maintaining the appeal of action-packed setpieces in Marvel movies.

Q & A

What was the original idea for John Walker's character in the movie?

The original idea was to transform John Walker into a giant monster, which would have significantly deviated from his character in both the comics and the show. This transformation was ultimately scrapped, as it would have reduced him to just a CGI action set piece.

Why did Kevin Feige change the introduction of the team from 'Thunderbolts' to 'New Avengers'?

Kevin Feige suggested the change to create a shift in tone and direction for the film. Instead of introducing the team as the Thunderbolts, referring to them as the 'New Avengers' aligns the group more with the legacy of the Avengers in the MCU.

What note did Kevin Feige give regarding the team introduction, and how did Pearson respond?

Kevin Feige's note was that the team should be introduced as the 'New Avengers' instead of 'Thunderbolts.' Pearson humorously stated that if that was the only note he received, he would 'take the money and run.'

Why was the giant monster transformation for John Walker considered a bad idea?

The giant monster transformation was considered a bad idea because it would have ignored everything that made John Walker a great and complex character. Instead of focusing on his character development, the transformation would have turned him into a simple CGI action setpiece.

What is Pearson’s opinion on the focus on Yelena Belova in the film?

Pearson seems to agree with the decision to focus on Yelena Belova, as it aligns with the narrative direction of the movie. There is no direct criticism of this focus, suggesting that it was a good choice for the story.

Was Taskmaster's character supposed to have a larger arc in the film?

Yes, Taskmaster was initially intended to have a bigger arc in the movie, but this was ultimately reduced. The question remains open as to whether this change was for the best or if Taskmaster should have had more screen time.

What was the purpose of the deleted scenes in the movie?

The deleted scenes were likely meant to expand on character arcs and the overall narrative, but they were cut for various reasons, possibly due to pacing or focus on other characters like Yelena.

How did Pearson feel about the changes made to the movie’s script?

Pearson seemed to accept the changes with a sense of humor, indicating that he was willing to go along with the notes given by the studio. He expressed that the most important thing was to take the feedback and continue with the project.

Should Taskmaster’s reduced role in the movie be reconsidered?

There is some debate on whether Taskmaster’s reduced role was a good decision. Some may feel that Taskmaster’s character could have been explored more, while others might argue that focusing on Yelena was a more effective narrative choice.

What is the general sentiment towards the movie’s development and character choices?

The general sentiment appears to be positive about the movie’s development, particularly in terms of focusing on Yelena Belova. However, there is some curiosity and debate about the impact of the changes to John Walker’s arc and Taskmaster’s reduced role.