10 More Comic Book Teams That Need Their Own Movie

Villains, by their nature, are more dispensable than superheroes. If the bad guys don't face consequences for their actions, then things can become stale, with the characters going around in circles. So why not use villains in a different way? The Thunderbolts are the answer.

The first iteration of the team appeared back in 1997, and since then multiple groups using the moniker have come and gone, with its roster made up of straight-up monsters coerced into acting benevolently, to fully reformed villains, to anti-heroes, and to those trying to better themselves. Leaders have included Baron Zemo, Luke Cage, and Norman Osborne AKA the Green Goblin, with members including the terrifying (Venom), the sadistic (Bullseye) and even the sympathetic (Penance.)

The seeds for the Thunderbolts are already there - Lt. Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross first debuted in the MCU back in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, and became a leader of his own version of the team as Red Hulk.

There's also a number of established villains collecting dust that could become members of such a team, including Emil Blonsky AKA Abomination, Baron Zemo, the Vulture, and Bob the Chitauri (I may have made that last one up.) With the consequences of Thanos' snap soon to be seen, and the Sokovia Accords thrown out the window, the ongoing MCU narrative has found itself with a perfect opportunity for bad guys and gals to be utilised as government assets.

The Thunderbolts are Marvel's ace up its sleeve. They just need to play it.