Who’s Most Likely to Cop It in Avengers: Doomsday?
Thunderbolts* fans have been left guessing about the fate of their favourite anti-heroes as they join the New Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday. Here’s a look at which team members might not make it out alive.
For ages, punters have been scratching their heads over the mysterious ‘*’ tacked onto the end of Thunderbolts*. The reveal that this ragtag bunch are actually the New Avengers didn’t exactly go down a treat. What started as a crew of misfits and anti-heroes out to do a bit of good has now landed them in the thick of the next big Marvel showdown. With seven on the squad, and Avengers: Doomsday looming, it’s time to size up who’s most at risk of getting the chop.
Yelena Belova: The New Black Widow’s Odds
Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, introduced as Natasha Romanoff’s long-lost sister in Black Widow (2021), has quickly become a staple in the Marvel line-up. Since taking up the Black Widow mantle after Natasha’s sacrifice in Endgame, she’s stepped into a leadership role and become the heart of the Thunderbolts. Given her popularity and the fact she’s only just hit her stride, it’s hard to imagine Marvel would risk axing her for shock value. She’s likely to stick around, at least for now.
John Walker: U.S. Agent’s Redemption Arc
Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, first seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, was the government’s pick for Captain America before going off the rails and rebranding as U.S. Agent. He’s a divisive figure, but his story’s far from over. There’s every chance he’ll get a proper redemption arc, maybe even a heroic sacrifice down the track, but it doesn’t look like his number’s up just yet. Expect him to keep butting heads and adding a bit of grit to the team dynamic.
Ghost: Haunted by Her Own Powers
Ava Starr, better known as Ghost, has been living with molecular instability since a quantum mishap in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Her constant struggle for stability and a cure makes her a tragic figure. There’s a real possibility she could go out in a blaze of redemption, maybe sacrificing herself to save the others or succumbing to her own unstable condition. Either way, her story feels like it’s building towards a big, emotional exit.
Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier’s Final Stand?
Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, has been through the wringer since his debut in Phase 2. As Steve Rogers’ old mate and a key player in the MCU, Bucky’s journey has been long and full of pain. Leading the Thunderbolts into battle could be his last hurrah. If he does fall, it would be a fitting end for a character who’s carried so much weight for so long. Many reckon he’s due for a bit of peace, even if it means bowing out for good.
Red Guardian: Father Figure in the Firing Line
David Harbour’s Red Guardian, with his big personality and dad jokes, has become a father figure to Yelena and the rest of the crew. His close bond with Yelena could set the stage for a gut-punch moment if he’s killed off. It’d be a real shock to the system and could push Yelena to step up even more. Harbour’s take on the character has been a highlight, but that might not be enough to save him from the chopping block.
Sentry/The Void: Too Powerful to Last?
Lewis Pullman’s Sentry is one of the most powerful blokes in the MCU, but that’s exactly why his days might be numbered. Marvel’s not known for letting overpowered characters stick around for long. With The Void lurking as his destructive alter ego, Sentry’s a ticking time bomb. Whether he’s taken out by a villain or sacrifices himself to save the day, it’s hard to see him making it through Doomsday unscathed.
Thunderbolts* Key Details:
Director: Jake Schreier
Cast: Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman
Release: 2 May 2025
IMDb: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Box Office: $382 million
Studio: Marvel Studios
Streaming: Disney+
Who do you reckon won’t make it out of Avengers: Doomsday? Drop your thoughts below. The film lands in Aussie cinemas on 18 December 2026.