Thunderbolts Movie: Will We See an Eternals Connection in 2025?

Alright, Marvel fans, gather ’round! The hype is real for the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, slated to electrify screens in 2025. But beyond the rogue’s gallery assembling for this mission, a burning question lingers: Will we see any threads connecting back to the cosmic tapestry of the Eternals? With the MCU’s ever-expanding universe, the possibilities are practically limitless. Let’s dive into the potential connections, theories, and maybe even a few wishful thinking scenarios.

Exploring the Possibility of an Eternals Link in the Thunderbolts Film

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become notorious for its interconnected storytelling, with seemingly disparate films weaving together to create a grand, overarching narrative. Think of it like a giant game of cosmic dominoes, where one event can set off a chain reaction felt across multiple storylines. So, with the Thunderbolts assembling and the Eternals already establishing their presence, the possibility of a crossover, however small, is definitely on the table. The real question is, how would that interaction realistically play out?

We have to remember that the Thunderbolts are, at their core, flawed individuals, often morally ambiguous and driven by self-preservation. The Eternals, on the other hand, are ancient, powerful beings tasked with safeguarding humanity (albeit with their own internal conflicts). These contrasting dynamics make for a potentially explosive and fascinating narrative clash if handled correctly. It wouldn’t just be a simple team-up; it would be a collision of ideologies and responsibilities.

Why an Eternals Reference Makes Sense for the MCU’s Phase 5 and Beyond

The current Phase of the MCU is all about exploring the fallout from major events and introducing new players to the game. The Blip, the Multiverse Saga, and the emergence of the Eternals have all fundamentally altered the status quo. Acknowledging these changes and building upon them is key to creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. By acknowledging the Eternals, even in a subtle way, Thunderbolts could add depth and context to the larger MCU story. It would serve as a reminder that these cosmic events have real-world consequences, even for a group of anti-heroes like the Thunderbolts.

Consider this: the Eternals’ emergence revealed to the world that they had been living amongst us for millennia, a fact that shakes the foundation of human history and identity. Governments and organizations would naturally be scrambling to understand and potentially control this new reality. Given the Thunderbolts’ penchant for operating in the shadows and taking on missions that others wouldn’t, it’s conceivable that they could be tasked with dealing with something related to the Eternals, even if it’s just a minor detail or the recovery of some lost technology.

Specific Ways the Eternals Could Be Referenced in Thunderbolts

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and explore some specific scenarios for how the Eternals could be referenced. We’re not talking full-blown team-ups necessarily (though, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love to see that?), but more subtle nods and connections that enrich the overall narrative.

Mention of Deviant Activity

The Deviants, the Eternals’ ancient adversaries, pose an ongoing threat. Although the primary threat was dealt with in the *Eternals* movie, pockets of Deviants could still exist, causing chaos and attracting the attention of global powers. Tasking the Thunderbolts with handling a Deviant incursion would be a logical, though not necessarily grand, connection. It’s a practical way to tie the film into the wider Eternals storyline without overshadowing the Thunderbolts’ own narrative.

Recovering Eternal Technology

The Eternals possess incredibly advanced technology, much of which remains a mystery to humanity. Perhaps a piece of Eternal tech falls into the wrong hands, and the Thunderbolts are tasked with retrieving it. This mission could lead them on a globe-trotting adventure, encountering obstacles and uncovering secrets along the way. It’s a classic MacGuffin plot device, but with an Eternal twist. Think of it as the Thunderbolts going on an interstellar scavenger hunt without actually leaving Earth (much).

Government Interest in Eternal DNA

Governments and scientific organizations would undoubtedly be intensely interested in studying the Eternals and their unique biology. Imagine the U.S. Government wanting a sample of Eternal DNA to research and understand their physiology. The Thunderbolts, known for their questionable ethics and government ties, could be involved in acquiring such samples. This could create moral dilemmas for the team, forcing them to confront the ethical implications of their actions. Are they simply following orders, or are they complicit in something more sinister?

Cameo Appearance from an Eternal

While a full-blown Eternal appearance may be too much, a brief cameo from a character like Kingo or Sersi could add a subtle nod to their existence. Imagine a quick scene where one of the Thunderbolts makes a sarcastic comment about the “golden space people” or runs into an Eternal during a mission. It’s a fun Easter egg that rewards observant viewers without derailing the main plot. Think of it as a little wink and a nod to the larger MCU continuity.

How a Potential Eternals Connection Could Impact the Thunderbolts’ Story

Beyond the simple reference, an Eternals connection could profoundly impact the Thunderbolts’ character arcs and overall narrative. The team is composed of villains and anti-heroes trying to find redemption (or at least a purpose). Confronting the implications of the Eternals’ existence, and the role humanity plays in the grand cosmic scheme, could force them to re-evaluate their own choices and motivations.

For instance, Yelena Belova, still grappling with the loss of her “sister” Natasha Romanoff, might find herself questioning the values she holds dear when faced with the Eternals’ seemingly detached perspective on humanity. Similarly, the Winter Soldier, haunted by his past, could see parallels between his own manipulated existence and the Eternals’ predetermined roles. These interactions could provide valuable opportunities for character growth and development, adding layers of complexity to the Thunderbolts’ individual stories.

The Importance of Grounding Cosmic Events in the Human Experience

One of the challenges with introducing cosmic characters and storylines is maintaining a connection to the human experience. The MCU has sometimes struggled to balance the cosmic spectacle with the grounded emotions and relatable struggles of its characters. By grounding the Eternals’ influence in the context of the Thunderbolts’ mission, the film can explore the human impact of these larger-than-life events.

The Thunderbolts, being a ragtag group of flawed individuals, are inherently relatable. They’re not gods or superheroes; they’re just trying to survive and make sense of their place in the world. Seeing how they react to the existence of the Eternals, and how they grapple with the moral implications of their actions in that context, can provide a valuable perspective for the audience. It reminds us that even in a universe filled with cosmic beings and interdimensional threats, the human element still matters.

Final Thoughts: Expectations vs. Reality for Thunderbolts and Eternals

Ultimately, the extent to which the Eternals will be referenced in Thunderbolts remains to be seen. While the potential for connections is undoubtedly there, it’s important to manage our expectations. The film needs to stand on its own as a compelling story about the Thunderbolts, first and foremost. Overloading it with references to other MCU properties could dilute its impact and detract from its unique identity.

However, even a subtle nod or a passing mention of the Eternals would be a welcome addition, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the MCU and adding another layer of depth to the narrative. Whether it’s a full-blown crossover or a brief cameo, the possibility of an Eternals connection in Thunderbolts adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the film’s 2025 release.

FAQ

Will the Eternals be major characters in the Thunderbolts movie?

It’s highly unlikely that the Eternals will be major characters in *Thunderbolts*. The focus is expected to remain on the Thunderbolts team members themselves. However, a cameo or a reference to the Eternals’ past actions or presence on Earth is certainly possible and would fit within the established MCU continuity.

What kind of impact could an Eternals reference have on the Thunderbolts story?

An Eternals reference could add a layer of moral complexity and cosmic significance to the Thunderbolts’ mission. It could force the team members to confront the implications of their actions in a universe where immortal beings have shaped humanity’s history. It could also provide opportunities for character development and exploration of themes like responsibility, destiny, and the value of human life.

Is there a specific comic book storyline that hints at a Thunderbolts/Eternals connection?

While there isn’t a direct comic book storyline that explicitly links the Thunderbolts and Eternals, the comics have frequently explored the intersection of different Marvel teams and characters. In the comics, the Thunderbolts have dealt with cosmic threats and the aftermath of events that impacted the wider Marvel Universe. The Eternals, with their ancient history and connection to the Celestials, are often involved in storylines that have wide-ranging consequences for the Earth and its inhabitants. Therefore, a cinematic connection, while not directly inspired by one specific storyline, wouldn’t be out of character.