ThoughThunderboltsfeatured an already excellent cast of characters, theMCUmissed out on the opportunity of having one extremely powerful hero join them. Watching the group of MCU antiheroes duke it out on screen felt like such a fresh experience becausethey were characters who felt brand new despite all having debuted in the franchise before. Yelena, Ghost, U.S. Agent, and Red Guardian only hada handful of MCU appearancesbetween them beforeThunderbolts. As for Bucky, although he’s appeared since Phase 1, he’s usually a supporting character to another hero.
There must be a reason that Marvel chose these specific characters to be the MCU’s first iteration of the Thunderbolts, especially because the Thunderbolts roster in the Marvel comics differs. The studio has always taken liberties with the comic storylines, though they do like to pay tribute as best as they can. There is one character who is inthe comic Thunderboltsbut didn’t appear in the MCU, yet her inclusion could’ve given the studio an easy way to address the canon status of a particular group of heroes.
Daredevil: Born Again Has Cemented The Defenders Show’s MCU Status, But It’s Not Clear Just How Canon Its Non-Daredevil Shows Still Are
Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist Have Yet To Be Referenced
When Marvel first started releasing their Defenders Saga shows on Netflix, many thought that they’d stay in the same boat as the likes ofAgents of SHIELD. While these projects referenced the events of the MCU, they weren’t considered canon either. After Marvel Studios decided to revamp their television sector, the announcement ofDaredevil: Born Againmeant thattheDefenders were now officially MCU canon. However, many fans still can’t quite believe it yet, considering how little of the Defenders we’ve seen in the MCU so far.
What really helpedDaredevil: Born Againcement the Defenders’ canon MCU status was the appearance of Fisk, who had previously appeared inHawkeyeandEcho. Seeing Daredevil and the Punisher, two big characters from the Netflix shows, alongside him made it clear that it really was all an integrated universe now. Yet,the absence of Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist so far has been making it hard for fans to remember their canon status too, with it sometimes feeling like the MCU’s version of Daredevil is just a revamped character separate from the Defenders era.
Purple Man’s Daughter Being A Thunderbolts Member In Marvel Comics Offered One Way To Prove Kilgrave Is MCU Canon
Kara Kilgrave Could’ve Been The Link Between The Defenders And The MCU
In Marvel Comics, one later member of the Thunderbolts includes Kara Kilgrave, Zebediah Killgrave’s daughter. The notorious villain was a despicable man who used his mind-control abilities to command women for his personal gain. He ended up marrying one of his victims, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Kara. At puberty, Kara’s skin turned purple, and she started producing pheromones that gave her similar abilities to her father. After grappling with her powers and their relation to her father’s identity,Kara adopted the name Persuasion and joined the Thunderbolts.
Having Persuasion as a member of the MCU’s Thunderbolts would’ve been the perfect way for Marvel to further tie in the Defenders Saga into the greater franchise. Although she hasn’t been introduced before, most Marvel fans are aware of her father’s history. He is one of the MCU’s most truly awful villains whose impact in-universe society should be further explored. Adding Kara toThunderbolts*would’ve been a reflection of the comics, andit would’ve cemented Kilgrave andJessica Jones’ place as definite MCU canonafter years of uncertainty.
Why The MCU Didn’t Make Persuasion Part Of The MCU Thunderbolts Team
They Could Be Saving Persuasion For A Future MCU Storyline
Even with one character’s death early on in the film, the MCU’s Thunderbolts still boast a full roster. Since the film dedicated a lot of time to introducing another new character in Bob,there simply wouldn’t have been enough time for Kara’s debutas well. She’s such a fascinating character and considering that her father is a one-of-a-kind villain, it was best not to rush her story into a subplot. The Thunderbolts are clearly being set up for more in the MCU, so there’s still time to introduce her to the team later.
The recent confirmation thatKrysten Ritter will reprise her role asJessica Jones in season 2 ofDaredevil: Born Againcould be another reason why Marvel didn’t make Persuasion part of the Thunderbolts team just yet. Kilgore shaped Jessica’s early Marvel story, and she even has interactions with Kara in the comics. Rather than fitting Persuasion intoThunderbolts*, perhaps the MCU will introduce her in the context of the Defenders first, finding a way to add her to the Thunderbolts later on.
