Thunderbolts* ending explained: Shocking death, Bob's fate, final scene, what happens to Val, and how many post-credit scenes are there

Indian Express

02-05-2025

Just when you thought you had cracked the code on Thunderbolts with all the leaked post-credit sequences and endless theories floating around the asterisks and AvengerZ, the MCU film, giving this group of intriguing misfits 2 hours and 6 minutes of limelight, comes in and pulls the rug right out from under you. What started as a wild road trip with a ragtag crew of semi-reformed villains has transformed into something much meaningful, eventually tying into the larger web of the franchise. But unlike the usual Marvel extravaganza, Thunderbolts stands out with its raw, gritty exploration of grief, addiction, and redemption. But don't worry, fans of explosive action—this film never forgets its roots.
Florence Pugh's Yelena, Winter Soldier, U.S. Agent, Ghost, Red Guardian, Taskmaster, and Bob all unite to face a disaster. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film takes you through the team's origins and how they come together to tackle an unexpected threat. We're breaking down the events, from shocking deaths to jaw-dropping plot twists, and what's next in store. Spoilers ahead, so if you haven't seen the movie yet, turn back now.
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Who even is Bob in Thunderbolts?
Bob is that one character who starts bugging viewers from the very beginning—who is he, why does someone with such immense power and kind heart is working with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and what's his role to play? Turns out, Bob comes with a complicated past, having dealt with substance abuse, and for most of the screen time, he's seen cozying up to the shady new CIA director, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who's been trying to create the next big superhero. He undergoes a complete makeover, gets a shiny new suit, and a new name, Sentry, all in the hopes of turning him into the face of a new era of heroes. Val's assistant (Geraldine Viswanathan) warns her this is a terrible idea, considering Bob's struggles with mental health, addiction, and past trauma. But, of course, Val doesn't listen, ignoring every red flag raised by her assistant. (By the way, Redditors have some wild theories about her assistant's role in the upcoming MCU franchise, especially with the special attention given to her Fieldine Birdie necklace, but we can save that for later.) Anyway, back to Bob, he goes against Yelena, Bucky, Red Guardian, Walker, and Ghost, but when he doesn't finish them off, Valentina gives him a side eye. Bob then starts flaunting his levelled up power, calling himself a 'god' and placing himself above Val. After a confrontation, Bob nearly kills Val, but her assistant, Mel, steps in and stops him.
The Void's Attack
There's a darker part of Bob's mind called The Void—basically, Pullman's alter ego. So just to clear it up: Bob is Sentry, and Bob is also The Void. When things go south and the so-called 'kill switch' meant to shut him down fails, The Void takes over. This monstrous side is the result of the same experiment that gave Sentry his powers. He unleashes chaos, starts turning people into literal shadows, and covers all of NYC in darkness. Meanwhile, Yelena is dealing with her own trauma from the Red Room, she's haunted by flashbacks of the worst moments from her past and her battle with alcohol addiction. In one of those dark moments, she sees Bob (as Sentry) in another reality. Bob tells her he's not in control of The Void anymore. Together, they try to dodge The Void's attacks, but they're stuck—until the rest of the Thunderbolts show up to help.
Who Dies?
Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) dies. This death was expected, especially since Kurylenko's name wasn't in the Avengers: Doomsday cast list. The character gets a headshot from Ghost. And yes, Val is alive.
What's With the Asterisk in Thunderbolts*?
The * in Thunderbolts is a nod to the team's real identity as the 'New Avengers.' When the Thunderbolts manage to stop Bob (Sentry) and save New York, Valentina sees the team as the answer to Earth's vulnerability. That's when she officially declares them the 'New Avengers' to the world. Even though they don't trust Val, the team accepts the new title, mostly to keep her in check and use the Avengers name for good. And then, mid-credits? Sam Wilson (aka the new Cap) is suing them over the Avengers name.
What Happens to Bob/The Sentry?
Bob isn't the prime villain in the movie. He's not in control of his powers, which largely comes from his addiction. But by the end of the movie, Bob seems to have regained control of himself. He's seen in the Avengers Tower, joking with the team, and even doing the dishes. The team knows Bob has helped save the day, but he's also aware of his limits.
Thunderbolts* has any Cameos?
Unlike most of the MCU movies, Thunderbolts* didn't put any efforts to bring some big Marvel faces to hype the movie, rather they tried to keep it a standalone story only. But in the post-credits scene, there is a hint at something bigger – an interdimensional ship that might be tied to the Fantastic Four.
How many Post-credit Scenes are there?
Two. Out of which, one is just for some good laughs—with Red Guardian joking over a packet of 'Wheaties' featuring his face alongside other Thunderbolts, trying to convince a buyer to purchase it. However, the last post-credit scene shows the arrival of the Fantastic Four, Marvel's upcoming movie. The team might be the new face of Earth's protectors, especially with Avengers: Doomsday on the way. Yelena, Bucky, and the rest of the team will likely play key roles in future MCU projects.