Photo credit: movieweb.com
Exploring the Thunderbolts’ Lineup: Where’s Baron Zemo?
Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier has finally shed light on the absence of one key figure from the Thunderbolts roster in the upcoming film. During the D23 Expo in 2022, Marvel Studios unveiled the team lineup, which features characters from various preceding projects like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and Ant-Man and the Wasp. However, notably missing from the group is Baron Helmut Zemo, portrayed by Daniel Brühl, who is a foundational member of the Thunderbolts in the comics—notably comprised of villains masquerading as heroes.
In an interview with Dexerto, Schreier acknowledged the disappointment expressed by fans regarding Zemo’s exclusion. While characters such as Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) and John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell) are returning, it appears that even in the early stages of development, before Schreier’s involvement, Zemo was not part of the team.
Redefining Villains: A Unique Approach
Schreier also addressed concerns about the film not following a traditional origin story format for the Thunderbolts. He emphasized that the narrative will explore the concept of “villains as heroes” from a fresh perspective. He remarked:
“There was no version presented to me where Zemo was included, from the first draft onward. There have been a few character adjustments since then, but they were minimal. I realize that some fans might not be thrilled about this decision. It’s intriguing because while some fans wish for a plotline centered on villains posing as heroes, our movie aims to honor that premise while taking a different approach.”
Is Baron Zemo Hiding in Plain Sight in Thunderbolts*?
While Zemo’s absence may disappoint some fans, it is not entirely surprising. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has a history of altering comic book narratives when adapting them for the screen. For example, The Avengers did not feature Ant-Man or Wasp as original members, despite early casting considerations, and the Guardians of the Galaxy are inspired more by their 2008 comic iterations than the original team from the 1960s. Similarly, the Netflix series The Defenders did not include any of the characters from the original comic lineup.
There is speculation, however, that Zemo could still appear in the film in a disguised form. A popular fan theory suggests that Zemo may be hidden under the guise of Taskmaster. The character has received minimal promotional attention, leading some to speculate that Taskmaster will meet an early demise—in line with reports that Thunderbolts* underwent rewrites to minimize connections to Black Widow. Although actress Olga Kurylenko, who plays Taskmaster, is credited, her absence from the film’s world premiere has fueled further speculation that her character serves as a red herring for a Zemo reveal.
Thunderbolts* appears to concentrate on anti-heroes and characters shaped by systems of oppression, united by their trauma, and striving to exceed societal expectations. While Zemo’s backstory could offer an intricate emotional layer, he has been portrayed within the MCU as a villain of formidable disruption. Transforming him into a hero—especially one who confronts a character like Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday—poses a significant challenge for the filmmakers.
Release Date
May 2, 2025
Runtime
126 Minutes
Writers
Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
Franchise(s)
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Source
movieweb.com