Thunderbolts* Director Originally Wanted Man-Thing on the MCU Team

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Marvel’s highly anticipated film, “Thunderbolts,” is almost here, and director Jake Schreier recently disclosed an intriguing tidbit: Initially, he had hoped that Man-Thing would join the team.

During an interview, Schreier expressed, “At one stage in the pitching process, I truly hoped that Man-Thing would make it onto the film’s cast.” Here, he referred to a time during the initial discussions about the movie where various characters were being evaluated for inclusion.

Marvel Studios initially intended for the swamp creature, Man-Thing, to be part of a different team, the Thunderbolts. However, instead, he made his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through the 2022 Halloween special titled “Werewolf by Night.” As per Schreier’s statement, this change seems to have been beneficial as it appears he is content with how things unfolded ultimately.

Man-Thing is an unusual and potent being from Marvel Comics, recognized for his link to the supernatural realm and his capacity to scorch individuals with terror. Although he didn’t appear in Thunderbolts, he has undeniably left a lasting impact on fans through his adventures in Werewolf by Night.

*Note: Thunderbolts is a Marvel Comics team, not a specific issue or series.

Apart from discussing other aspects of Thunderbolts, Schreier further elaborated on its tone and motif. He clarified that the film doesn’t merely depict villains transforming into heroes, but instead focuses on characters dwelling in the ambiguous zone where goodness and wickedness intertwine.

He mentioned, “It involved examining the MCU and not merely identifying potential heroes who could become villains instead. Instead, we focused on characters occupying the morally ambiguous zone or those who were initially set for a different path but encountered obstacles. Alternatively, they might be characters like John Walker, who was literally Captain America.

John Walker, portrayed by Wyatt Russell, serves as an intriguing illustration. He briefly assumed the role of Captain America, yet committed significant errors that add depth to his character, making him both captivating and complex.

Schreier commented, “‘Perhaps there’s something significant to cherish. I believe they’ve all somewhat strayed from this notion. Initially due to the circumstances that forced them together, but subsequently driven by inspiration, might they evolve into a collective entity surpassing what each could achieve individually?

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2025-04-22 09:44