The MCU is on its path to recovery after the billion-dollar hit Deadpool & Wolverine. The upcoming Thunderbolts* movie has been one of its most hyped ventures, which is a part of Marvel’s 2025 slate. The first trailer was dropped recently, and fans are busy nitpicking all the details.
One of the key characters who was featured in the new anti-heroes team was Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes. And the character was seen doing questionable things in the trailer, like he once used to.
The Winter Soldier might be back
Bucky Barnes’ life took a dramatic turn when he fell off the train in the first Captain America movie. He not only lost his arm, but also all sense of self, and was turned into a thoughtless killing machine by Hydra.
Steve Rogers had to go through a lot to get his childhood friend back to his true persona. However, his past actions had always haunted Barnes. Which is why he refused taking over the Captain America mantle after Steve retired.
But in the Thunderbolts* trailer, we see Bucky rocking an old look and going back to his old ways, reminiscent of his days as the Winter Soldier. This has led some fans to believe that he is being mind-controlled again.
There have been a few hints regarding the theory, such as the heavy involvement of the government, and the sudden change in Bucky’s looks and facial expressions. Moreover, he was seen using his left arm predominantly in fights and while shooting, which Bucky did as his Winter Soldier persona.
Scarlett Johansson might have an on-screen role in Thunderbolts*
Scarlett Johansson has been listed as a producer for Thunderbolts*, probably because of the film’s links with Black Widow. However, there’s a possibility she might be involved in the film to a greater degree, with a cameo or flashback scene.
Natasha Romanoff sacrificed herself on Vormir, allowing Clint Barton to obtain the Soul Stone. Subsequently, Yelena has taken up the mantle of the Widow in the MCU. In the comics, there was a brief period where a clone of Natasha Romanoff was secretly used to perpetrate crimes.
There are numerous other ways Scarlett Johansson might continue to portray Natasha Romanoff in the MCU. One potential hint is from Secret Invasion, which effectively places a formidable spy and black ops operative under the control of the British government, embodied by Talos’ daughter, G’iah. G’iah might have assumed Natasha’s identity on occasion, potentially provoking the anger of Yelena and her family.
Scarlett Johansson might be featured in a flashback sequence, considering that Yelena and Alexei are part of this film, and there are rumors that Rachel Weisz will return as Melina Vostokoff from Black Widow.
Thunderbolts* is set to release on May 2, 2025.
