Marvel’s Thunderbolts* is here reuniting fan-favorite characters, controversial picks, and even a few long-forgotten faces from across the MCU. Whether you loved it or felt like this team-up didn’t quite stick the landing, one thing’s for sure: it gave us a wide range of characters to debate.
So today, I’m ranking every main Thunderbolts character, from the least impactful to the absolute MVP. Fair warning this list is spoiler-heavy, so if you haven’t seen the movie yet, now’s your chance to bail. Otherwise, let’s dive in.
9. Taskmaster
Yeah… this one’s rough. Marvel took a character that fans were already disappointed with in Black Widow and made things worse. Taskmaster returns in Thunderbolts* for what feels like no other reason than to be immediately discarded. Hype bait? Probably. Redemption arc? Not even close.
She shows up, does a few cool moves, and then gets benched before she ever has a real moment. A wasted opportunity for a character that had potential to be so much more.
8. Mel
Mel, Valentina’s assistant, doesn’t bring much to the table in terms of action or screen presence but she does have a character arc. While she mostly operates in the background, taking orders and managing logistics, she eventually breaks away from Valentina’s control, showing a glimpse of conscience.
Her dynamic with Valentina adds a little nuance, but ultimately, she feels underdeveloped. Still, points for turning against the bad guys by the end.
7. Bucky Barnes
Winter Soldier fans, I hear you it’s great to see Bucky in full force again. Thunderbolts* gives him some overdue action scenes and positions him as a reluctant leader. It’s a solid showing for a character who’s been sidelined since Civil War.
But here’s the thing: Bucky’s arc is pretty much complete. There’s not much new ground here. He’s the mentor figure now, and while he’s reliable and cool, he doesn’t bring the same emotional depth or evolution that other characters do this time around.
6. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
Valentina returns as the scheming mastermind who brings the Thunderbolts together… only to be constantly outmaneuvered. She’s cunning, sure, but not especially threatening. Most of her “big plays” rely on other characters saving her from her own messes.
She’s charismatic, and I still think there’s untapped potential here, but in this movie, she’s more of a plot device than a real villain. Hopefully, Marvel has bigger plans for her down the road.
5. John Walker (U.S. Agent)
Say what you will about U.S. Agent, but he’s one of the most polarizing characters in the MCU, and Thunderbolts* doesn’t shy away from that. He starts the movie exactly as we remember: arrogant, cold, and convinced he’s right about everything.
But as the film progresses, cracks begin to show. You start to see the human behind the shield, and it works. He’s still unlikable… but maybe a little less so. If Marvel continues building on this layered approach, he might actually win people over…eventually.
4. Ghost
Ghost coming back was a surprise and a welcome one. Her powers are still some of the coolest in the MCU, and now she has full control over them. In Thunderbolts*, she’s no longer driven by desperation. Instead, she’s confident, capable, and finally comfortable in her own skin.
While she doesn’t get a ton of screentime, her presence is consistent, and it’s great to see her play a stable role on the team. There’s more to explore with her, and I hope Marvel doesn’t leave her in the shadows again.
3. Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian)
Yes, he’s getting another mention. Red Guardian deserves his own spotlight because he’s the heart of the team. He’s one of the only Thunderbolts who chose to be there, not out of obligation or manipulation, but because he truly believes in the mission.
Whether it’s stepping into battle or stepping up as a father figure, Alexei makes you laugh and then turns around and hits you in the feels. That’s a rare MCU combo that works every time.
2. Bob
Forget Sentry for a second Bob as Bob is the real standout. He’s a fresh face in a room full of broken people, and his perspective adds emotional grounding to the chaos. Watching him try to figure out who he is, what he’s capable of, and whether or not he should become something more dangerous, that’s the good stuff.
The MCU needs more characters like him: flawed, powerful, but still deeply human.
1. Yelena Belova
This is Yelena’s movie, full stop. From beginning to end, her arc carries the emotional weight of the film. She’s mourning Natasha, trying to figure out her place in the world, and learning how to lead not just fight.
She’s fierce, grounded, and willing to get her hands dirty. But what really cements her at the top of this list is the depth. Marvel rarely digs this deep into a character’s psychology, and it pays off. Add in her dry humor and no-nonsense attitude, and you’ve got the most compelling Thunderbolt by far.
Final Thoughts
Thunderbolts* might not be a perfect movie, but it does something smart: it leans into character. Even if not everyone gets equal development, the emotional beats hit hard, and the setup for the future is.
Rather Watch?
