Movies

Zemo Almost Ruled Thunderbolts!

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As a devoted film enthusiast, I must share this fascinating tidbit from writer Eric Pearson: Initially, Daniel Brühl’s Baron Zemo was slated to be the antagonist in Thunderbolts*, a role that was initially intended for Lewis Pullman’s Sentry. In the upcoming movie, Jake Schreier introduces Robert Reynolds, a character who wields immense power in both his human form and as his Void alter ego. This duality makes him a formidable villain, just as his Sentry powers make him a near-invincible hero.

Thankfully, the Thunderbolts team manages to contain the destructive Void in the climax of Thunderbolts*, thus saving Earth from potential devastation. In the post-credits scene set during Avengers: Doomsday events, Bob is welcomed as an honorary member of the New Avengers, adding another layer to the already intriguing Marvel Cinematic Universe narrative.

In an exclusive conversation with ScreenRant, Thunderbolts screenwriter Eric Pearson disclosed that a previous version of the film featured Baron Zemo, who was intended to be orchestrating events behind the scenes covertly. Pearson hinted at the possibility of Zemo exchanging positions with someone, perhaps Val’s assistant Mel, using a Widow’s Veil. However, due to Zemo not aligning with Thunderbolts’ central narrative and motifs, despite his connection to the team in the comics, he was ultimately removed from the film. Pearson’s full remarks can be found below:

[*Note: “Thunderbolts” refers to the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film]

In regards to ScreenRant:, You noticed Baron Zemo appearing in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Since he plays a significant role in the comics, was there ever a draft that featured him or was it decided to exclude him from the beginning?

Eric Pearson mentioned that there was an earlier draft where the group briefly visited a house belonging to a student who had recently held a high school party, suggesting that Zemo may have been present at some point in this version of events.

It seems that an earlier version of a tag hinted at the identity of the mastermind, suggesting it was Baron Zemo who was orchestrating events from prison. While I could be speculating, there might have been a scenario where Zemo had escaped and disguised himself as someone else – perhaps Valentina’s assistant – wearing a Widow mask in the process.

However, I believe those concepts were only implemented once before they ceased to exist. Occasionally, it seems people assume we are intentionally deviating, but the truth is, Zemo plays a crucial role in alternative storylines for them. He’s instrumental in bringing everything together, and our premise itself eliminates the necessity for that role.

However, our thoughts often return to the comics. The question arises, ‘Could Baron Zemo be wittily incorporated here? Definitely, if possible.’ But in this narrative we wished to convey and grew fond of, Yelena was the focus, and all other characters intertwine through her storyline. Moreover, Bob was also being introduced, so he didn’t align with our vision. We preferred not to include him as a mere decorative element.

What The Thunderbolts* Writer’s Baron Zemo Comments Mean

Baron Zemo Would Have Been A Great Addition To Thunderbolts*, If The Movie Followed A Different Story

In Marvel Comics, Baron Zemo was the initial architect of the Thunderbolts, appearing frequently as a team member across multiple versions over time. Recently, on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, we see that Zemo is orchestrating events from within the Raft, hinting at his ability to rally a group if needed. Hypothetically speaking, a Thunderbolts film could have introduced an authentic portrayal of the team, with Zemo and his cohorts masquerading as heroes in order to alter their public perception, but the MCU’s version of the Thunderbolts chose a different narrative path.

The movie titled “Thunderbolts” is a heartfelt story about a band of non-traditional heroes who find redemption despite their minimal power and influence. In contrast to the power-obsessed Zemo, this version of Thunderbolts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn’t initially masquerade as heroes before discovering their love for heroism. Instead, they actively resist Val’s plans to construct the perfect superhero, and in the process, mend their emotional scars alongside Sentry. While Zemo may still form his own version of the Thunderbolts in a potential sequel, his connection to Yelena’s team would be minimal.

Our Take On The Thunderbolts* Writer’s Baron Zemo Comments

Baron Zemo’s Comic-Accurate Thunderbolts* Can Still Happen In The MCU

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the identity of the “Thunderbolts” team post their rebranding as the New Avengers remains uncertain. This is a common occurrence in the comics, where Marvel frequently introduces diverse iterations of the team, each with unique members, goals, and alliances. Interestingly, Baron Zemo might spearhead a second version of the Thunderbolts in the MCU. Since Zemo shares a prison with Samuel Sterns, Thaddeus Ross, Willis Styker, and Trish Walker, his potential Thunderbolts team may already have its initial members waiting in the wings.

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2025-05-05 14:07

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