The recent rollout of Thunderbolts has unveiled that this eclectic group of mercenaries is being positioned as the new Avengers, or as described by Red Guardian, the ‘Avengerz’. As details continue to emerge, insights from co-screenwriter and story writer Eric Pearson shed light on the film’s creative decisions. In various post-release interviews, Pearson has elaborated on the original role of Taskmaster in the storyline and the pivotal choice to exclude Baron Zemo from the film’s narrative.

Another significant revelation pertains to Wyatt Russell’s character, John Walker/U.S. Agent. In an interview with the Wrap, Pearson discussed how the film’s roster initially included a dramatic twist involving Walker transforming into a Red Hulk, which was meant to serve as the primary antagonist introduced late in the film as a contingency measure orchestrated by Valentina.

Pearson explained, “Valentina’s manipulation was designed to trick Walker into believing he required constant medication, while she was secretly implanting a time bomb within him that she could detonate whenever necessary.”

This plot twist was originally intended to fracture the newly formed team, yet it instead evolved into another challenge that would foster camaraderie among the members. Pearson noted, “We took Walker, the most antagonistic and abrasive character, and aimed to transform him into someone they decide not to eliminate, but rather to redeem.”

He further articulated that this concept “did not feel right” in the context of the film, leading to the decision to abandon the notion of Walker becoming the second Red Hulk, following Harrison Ford’s portrayal in Captain America: Brave New World. This reevaluation opened the door to introducing a new character, prompting Pearson to suggest Sentry, a character he became familiar with during his tenure in the Marvel Writers Program.

“I have always been fascinated by the idea of what would happen if Superman had a counterpart that was equally as malevolent as he was virtuous,” Pearson remarked regarding the role ultimately portrayed by Lewis Pullman. This character embodies a similar transformative narrative arc, mirroring the internal struggles faced by anti-heroes—battling “heroic ambition against self-loathing”—without recycling an existing character from the franchise.

Thunderbolts is currently showing in theaters, providing audiences with a fresh take on the superhero genre.

For more insights into the Marvel universe, including release dates for upcoming Star Wars and Star Trek content, and the future of the DC Universe in film and television, as well as essential information about Doctor Who, stay tuned to io9 for the latest updates.