Sunday, April 27, 2025

What Marvel films and TV shows should you watch before ‘Thunderbolts’?

The superhero genre has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its larger-than-life characters and epic storylines. With the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans have been eagerly anticipating the next big team-up film. And with the recent announcement of a potential “Thunderbolts” movie, it’s time to start doing some homework.

For those who are not familiar with the Thunderbolts, they are a team of anti-heroes and reformed villains who come together to fight for the greater good. The team has had various iterations in the comics, but the most popular one is the one led by the infamous Baron Zemo. With this in mind, it’s important to know which Marvel films and TV shows to watch in order to fully understand and appreciate the potential “Thunderbolts” movie.

First and foremost, it’s essential to watch the “Captain America” trilogy. Not only does it introduce us to Baron Zemo, but it also sets up the events that lead to the formation of the Thunderbolts. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” in particular is crucial as it delves into the concept of a shadowy organization manipulating world events, which is a major theme in the Thunderbolts comics.

Next on the list is “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” This film not only introduces us to the character of Helmut Zemo, the son of Baron Zemo, but it also sets up the Sokovia Accords, which will play a significant role in the “Thunderbolts” movie. It’s also worth mentioning that Helmut Zemo’s actions in this film are what ultimately lead to the formation of the Thunderbolts in the comics.

Moving on to the TV shows, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is a must-watch for any Marvel fan. The show has had numerous tie-ins with the movies and has even featured characters from the comics, such as Ghost Rider and the Inhumans. But for the purpose of preparing for the “Thunderbolts” movie, the most important episodes to watch are the ones that feature Baron Zemo and the Sokovia Accords. These episodes will give you a better understanding of Zemo’s motivations and the political landscape that the Thunderbolts will be operating in.

Another TV show that is worth mentioning is “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” This show not only explores the aftermath of “Avengers: Endgame,” but it also introduces us to John Walker, a.k.a. U.S. Agent. In the comics, U.S. Agent is a member of the Thunderbolts, so it’s safe to assume that he will play a significant role in the movie as well. Plus, the show also features Baron Zemo, giving us more insight into his character and potential role in the Thunderbolts.

Last but not least, “Black Widow” is a must-watch for any fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not only does it give us a deeper look into Natasha Romanoff’s past, but it also introduces us to Yelena Belova, another potential member of the Thunderbolts. Yelena has a complex relationship with Natasha, and it will be interesting to see how that dynamic plays out in the team-up movie.

In conclusion, the potential “Thunderbolts” movie is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But in order to fully appreciate and understand the team and their motivations, it’s important to do some homework and watch the necessary films and TV shows. From “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” to “Black Widow,” each piece of the puzzle will come together to create an epic team-up that fans won’t want to miss. So grab your popcorn and get ready to assemble with the Thunderbolts.

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