Everything You Need to Know Before Watching THUNDERBOLTS- Marvel RECAP

Summary

This video script provides a comprehensive recap of key events in the Marvel Cinematic Universe following *Avengers: Endgame*. It covers the Avengers' time heist to collect the Infinity Stones, the consequences of Natasha's sacrifice, and the evolution of key characters like Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, and John Walker. The script also explores the impact of the multiverse and the formation of new teams such as the Thunderbolts, hinting at future threats from characters like Dr. Doom. With its detailed exploration of character arcs, the script sets the stage for upcoming Marvel films and series.

Takeaways

• 😀 Natasha Romanoff sacrifices herself to obtain the Soul Stone in *Avengers: Endgame*, allowing the Avengers to reverse the snap and defeat Thanos.
• 😀 Sam Wilson struggles with taking on the mantle of Captain America, eventually accepting it after realizing the importance of the legacy and the responsibility it carries.
• 😀 John Walker, the government-chosen new Captain America, struggles with the pressure to live up to Steve Rogers' legacy, leading to his downfall and transformation into U.S. Agent.
• 😀 The Flag Smashers, led by Carly Morgenthau, fight against global organizations failing to address the refugee crisis caused by the Blip, posing a major challenge to Sam and Bucky.
• 😀 Bucky Barnes embarks on a journey of redemption, reconciling with his past actions as the Winter Soldier, while also struggling with the loss of Steve Rogers and the Captain America legacy.
• 😀 Zemo, after being freed from prison, plays a pivotal role in the fight against the Flag Smashers, and Bucky finally comes to terms with his past by letting Zemo live.
• 😀 Sam embraces the Captain America mantle fully, using empathy to defeat the Red Hulk (Thunderbolt Ross) and stop a rampage in Washington, D.C.
• 😀 The multiverse is introduced as a major concept in the MCU, with different realities and variants of characters emerging, and the threat of incursions that could destroy the multiverse.
• 😀 Dr. Doom, a multiversal variant of a Tony Stark-like figure, emerges as a central antagonist in future MCU storylines, with the multiverse itself at risk of collapse due to incursions.
• 😀 The *Thunderbolts* team is formed, consisting of antiheroes who will play a key role in upcoming MCU events, potentially dealing with global threats and the dangers of the multiverse.
• 😀 Sam's growth into Captain America serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the future, not just for America, but for a world in need of a new hero to believe in.

Q & A

What significant event leads to Natasha's death in 'Avengers: Endgame'?

Natasha dies during the Avengers' time heist on Vormir when she sacrifices herself for Clint in order to obtain the Soul Stone. She forces Clint to let her go, leading to her tragic fall.

Why does Sam Wilson initially refuse to take up the Captain America mantle?

Sam Wilson hesitates to take up the mantle of Captain America because he feels that the public has a specific image of what Captain America should be, and as a Black man, he fears his actions would be heavily scrutinized.

Who takes up the shield after Sam Wilson initially rejects it, and what happens to him?

After Sam Wilson rejects the shield, the government gives it to John Walker, a decorated soldier. However, Walker's journey as Captain America goes downhill as he becomes increasingly unstable, culminating in him killing a Flag Smasher in cold blood and being stripped of the title.

How does John Walker’s actions reflect his struggles with the Captain America mantle?

John Walker struggles with the pressure of being Captain America and feels the need to prove himself worthy of the title. His desperation leads him to take a super soldier serum, making him unstable and resulting in violent actions, including the public murder of a Flag Smasher.

What role does Valentina Allegra De Fontaine play in the story?

Valentina Allegra De Fontaine manipulates John Walker into embracing his darker side after he is stripped of the Captain America title. She also recruits other characters, such as Yelena Belova, and is linked to larger plans involving the Thunderbolts and the pursuit of American supremacy.

What is Sam’s approach to dealing with the Flag Smashers, and how does it compare to Steve Rogers' approach?

Sam Wilson approaches the Flag Smashers with empathy, trying to understand their motivations and reason with Carly Morgenthau, showing a belief in people even when others give up on them. This mirrors Steve Rogers’ approach, as Steve always stood by Bucky and others, even through their flaws.

How does Sam's journey as Captain America differ from Steve Rogers' legacy?

Sam's journey as Captain America is about making the role his own, understanding the responsibility it carries while also representing hope and resilience. Unlike Steve, who had the burden of being the ideal symbol of America, Sam takes a more inclusive and empathetic approach to the mantle.

What significant challenge does Bucky Barnes face in 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'?

Bucky Barnes struggles with the trauma of his past actions as the Winter Soldier, including the lives he took under Hydra’s control. He works to make amends and regain his sense of purpose, and a key moment in his development is letting Zemo live, symbolizing his emotional growth.

What is the larger threat discussed towards the end of the script, and how does it relate to future MCU films?

The larger threat discussed is the multiverse, which could lead to 'incursions'—events where universes collide and destroy each other. This threat is linked to Doctor Doom, a variant of the character from another universe, and will play a key role in the upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday,' which will involve multiple universes and characters from various timelines.

What is the significance of the multiverse in the MCU, and how does it impact the future of the Avengers?

The multiverse introduces alternate versions of characters and realities, which creates potential for crossover events and conflicts. It also introduces a new layer of danger with 'incursions,' which could destroy entire universes, threatening the stability of the MCU as a whole. This will be explored further in future films, including 'Avengers: Doomsday.'