Thunderbolts Review: A Movie Eventful and Complex

The 2023 film Thunderbolts is the eleventh installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by James Gunn and written by Eric Pearson, it serves as a team-up film between several high-profile superheroes. One of these heroes is John Walker, played by Wyatt Russell, who has been portrayed as a somewhat one-dimensional character until now.

The Origins of John Walker

Before we dive into the plot, let's quickly explore John Walker's backstory. As we've seen in previous MCU films, Walker's real name is William Ransom, and he was a former U.S. Army operative who was severely injured during his time in Afghanistan. After being rescued by S.H.I.E.L.D., Ransom underwent extensive surgery to save his life.

However, this heroic rescue came with an unexpected price: the doctors had to remove most of his leg below the knee. Fueled by anger and a sense of injustice, Ransom became obsessed with finding revenge against those responsible for his injuries.

The Rise of John Walker

Over time, William Ransom transformed into John Walker, a name that reflected his newfound sense of purpose. He began working as an operative for S.H.I.E.L.D., taking on high-risk missions and earning the respect of his colleagues.

Eventually, Walker's skills caught the attention of Nick Fury, who assigned him to lead an elite team known as "The Team." This group was tasked with carrying out covert operations worldwide, all while keeping a low profile.

The Birth of the Thunderbolts

When S.H.I.E.L.D. was dismantled and Nick Fury retired, John Walker saw an opportunity to take his mission to the next level. He formed a team of troubled superheroes who shared similar values: anti-heroism, moral ambiguity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Walker's vision for The Team became known as the Thunderbolts, a name that reflected their connection to the ancient storm god Thor. As the leader of this group, Walker aimed to prove himself as a worthy successor to Fury's legacy.

The Confrontation with Bucky Barnes

Now, let's get back to the scene in question, where Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes confronts John Walker in Thunderbolts. Walker has been struggling to find his place within The Team and to live up to his predecessor's expectations.

Walker believes that he can prove himself as a worthy leader by helping his teammates overcome their personal demons. However, his methods often clash with those of the other Thunderbolts, leading to tension and conflict.

Bucky Barnes, who has been struggling with PTSD and guilt over past actions, becomes Walker's primary target. When Walker tries to rally his team around him, Bucky is forced to confront his own feelings about leadership and responsibility.

The Fallout

The confrontation between Walker and Bucky sets off a chain reaction of events that tests the unity of The Team. As the Thunderbolts work together to take down a new threat, their differences become more apparent, and old wounds begin to resurface.

In the end, Walker's arrogance and inability to listen to others ultimately lead to his downfall. He is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the true cost of being a leader.

The Future of John Walker

As we move forward in the MCU, it remains to be seen how John Walker will continue to evolve as a character. Will he find redemption and learn to put the needs of others before his own desires?

The Thunderbolts film offers plenty of opportunities for growth and exploration, especially for characters like Walker, who have been somewhat one-dimensional in previous appearances.