For years, Avengers Tower stood as the home of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, the battleground for legendary fights, and even the venue for one of the MCU’s most memorable parties (until Ultron crashed it).
However, times have changed in the MCU. Tony Stark is gone, the Avengers are no longer an active team, and now, the once-iconic tower has a new owner, who is surprisingly a part of ‘Thunderbolts*’.
The Shift In The Tower’s Leadership Marks A Darker Era For The MCU
In ‘Thunderbolts*’, it’s revealed that CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, has taken over the building. And with that change in ownership comes a new, far more ominous name: Watchtower. Speaking with Empire Online, ‘Thunderbolts*’ director Jake Schreier teased the significance of this transformation.
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“We know what that tower means. Who’s the person you would least like to own that tower, that means so much to so many people? Can you use that as a symbol of things taking a darker turn?” That’s a chilling thought. For years, the Avengers Tower was a symbol of hope. However, now, under Val’s control, it’s becoming something else entirely.
Given her shady dealings like recruiting John Walker and sending Yelena Belova after Hawkeye, she’s clearly got her own agenda. Now, with a new team of antiheroes at her disposal, that agenda is only becoming more dangerous. And then there’s The Sentry who will make his MCU debut in the film.
Schreier’s comments seem to hint that he’ll be a key part of the Thunderbolts story. If the speculation is true and The Void, the dark, destructive force within The Sentry, emerges in New York, then the Watchtower may not just be a symbol of darker times ahead. It could be ground zero for catastrophe.
Bucky Barnes Might Take A Leadership Role In ‘Thunderbolts*’
While Val’s takeover of Avengers Tower is a huge shift, another familiar face returning is Bucky Barnes. The former Winter Soldier, who has spent years trying to leave his violent past behind, is about to find himself drawn into yet another mission he can’t walk away from. Speaking about his return, Stan couldn’t help but reference an iconic Godfather III quote.
In case you missed it: ‘Thunderbolts*’ Trailer Might’ve Spoiled ‘Captain America: Brave New World’
“Every time I try to get out, they pull me back in,” he stated. Moreover, Bucky’s inclusion in the Thunderbolts team raises some interesting questions. He has spent most of his post-HYDRA life trying to redeem himself. So why would he align himself with a team of misfits and morally gray operatives?
According to Stan, Bucky sees something of himself in the Thunderbolts. “He’s going to come across this group and realize that they’re quite similar, in a way, to him. So I think he feels he can contribute and be a leader.” Imagining Bucky as a leader is definitely intriguing.
