Which Thunderbolts Heroes Are Most at Risk in Avengers: Doomsday?
Marvel fans are buzzing about which Thunderbolts members could meet their end in Avengers: Doomsday. Dive into our ranking of the team's most vulnerable heroes and see who might not make it out alive.
Ever since the mysterious asterisk appeared at the end of Thunderbolts*, fans have been speculating about its meaning. The reveal that the Thunderbolts are actually the New Avengers left many viewers divided. This group of outcasts and anti-heroes, seven in total, has captured attention as they transition from misfits to would-be saviors. With their confirmed roles in Avengers: Doomsday, the question on everyone’s mind is: who’s most likely to fall?
Yelena Belova: The New Black Widow’s Odds
Yelena Belova, introduced as Natasha Romanoff’s long-lost sister in Black Widow (2021), has quickly become a central figure in the Marvel universe. After Natasha’s sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, Yelena stepped up to carry the Black Widow legacy. Her recent appearance in Thunderbolts* solidified her as a leader and the emotional core of the team. Given her popularity and the fresh direction she brings, it ’s highly unlikely Marvel would write her off in Avengers: Doomsday. Eliminating such a beloved character would risk alienating fans and cutting short a promising arc.
U.S. Agent John Walker: Redemption on the Horizon?
Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, first seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, was the government’s pick for Captain America after Steve Rogers. His journey took a dark turn, leading him to become the U.S. Agent. Now part of the Thunderbolts, Walker’s story is complex and controversial. While a redemptive sacrifice could be in the cards, it seems more likely Marvel will keep him around to let his character develop further. His dynamic with Sam Wilson and the rest of the team adds depth, making his survival probable for now.
Ghost: Haunted by Her Own Powers
Ava Starr, known as Ghost, lives with constant molecular instability after a quantum accident gave her phasing abilities. Her tragic backstory and ongoing struggle for a cure make her a prime candidate for a self-sacrificial arc. Ghost’s journey could end with her saving the team, or her powers might spiral out of control, leading to her demise. Either way, her fate feels uncertain, and her potential exit would be both poignant and fitting for her character’s narrative.
Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, and Sentry: The Most at Risk
Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, has been a staple since Phase 2. After years of hardship and redemption, leading the Thunderbolts into battle could be his final act. A heroic end would bring closure to his long, turbulent story. Red Guardian, with his larger-than-life personality and fatherly bond with Yelena, is another likely candidate for a dramatic exit. His death would hit the team hard and push Yelena to grow even more.
Then there’s Sentry, whose overwhelming power and unstable alter ego, The Void, make him a wild card. Marvel rarely keeps overpowered characters around for long, and Sentry’s destructive potential could make him the catalyst for major events in Avengers: Doomsday. Whether he’s taken down by a villain or sacrifices himself, his days seem numbered.
Thunderbolts* at a Glance
Directed by Jake Schreier and starring Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Lewis Pullman, Thunderbolts* hit theaters on May 2, 2025. The film boasts a 7.1/10 IMDb rating, an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, and has grossed $382 million worldwide. Produced by Marvel Studios, it’s available to stream on Disney+.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to premiere in the U.S. on December 18, 2026. Which Thunderbolts member do you think won’t make it out alive?