NewsTelevision

Falcon & Winter Soldier Theory: Thunderbolt Ross is the Power Broker

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier focuses on Sam and Bucky dealing with their lives after the events of Avengers: Endgame. They are both grieving over the loss of their best friend, Steve Rogers. Sam decides to give up the legacy in the first episode, and Bucky just couldn’t accept his decision. The show has a number of bad guys, such as Zemo, the Flag-Smashers, and most importantly, the Power Broker.

This series is undoubtedly evolving with every episode. Unlike WandaVision, it does not take time to set up the narrative. After introducing Isaiah Bradley, the first-ever black Captain America, the fans instantly starting making connections between him and the Flag-Smashers. But another name that keeps popping up is the Power Broker. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier has created a great mystery around his secret Identity. Some fans believe that it could be Sharon Carter. Some say that it could even be the Mandarin. But I believe that it will be Secretary Ross.

falcon-and-winter-solider-power-broker-thunderbolt-ross

Thaddeus Ross is aware of the existence and usage of the supersoldier serum. As we saw in The Incredible Hulk, he was in possession of the serum. He went on to inject Emil Blonsky with the serum to transform him into his personal weapon.

Ross was last seen in the background of Tony Stark’s Avengers: Endgame funeral. He has shown an interest in the Super Soldier Serum for some time now. Dr. Nagel’s Super Soldier serum initially began production following the fall of HYDRA when he was recruited by the CIA to recreate Dr. Abraham Erskine’s formula. However, after The Blip, Nagel returned to find his project canceled until the Power Broker funded its revival.

Ross’s deep roots in the U.S. government and military would’ve allowed him an expansive knowledge of even the most classified operations. During the second episode of the Disney+ blockbuster, Karli Morgenthau receives a threatening text saying “You took what was mine. I’m going to find you and kill you.” Towards the end of the episode, the Flag Smashers are attacked by the Power Broker’s men in a German hangar while loading a plane for take-off.

Ross could have been easily replaced by the government after he disappeared during the five-year gap. But considering his connections, it wouldn’t have taken him too long to make his way back in some capacity. The government is more inclined to create their own ways to protect the post-Blip world after the Avengers failed to protect the universe from Thanos. SWORD director Tyler Hayward secretly resurrected Vision during WandaVision, and the United States appointed their own Captain America, John Walker, only six months after half the world returned.

Marvel could now be setting up Thunderbolts in the MCU now. They’ve kicked off its Phase 4 with WandaVision, and it set up two Young Avengers – Billy (Wiccan) and Tommy (Speed). The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has already stealthily introduced another member of the team in Isaiah Bradley’s grandson Eli. Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop, Kathryn Newton’s Cassie Lang/Stature, and Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel will all be introduced in the coming years.

Falcon and Winter Soldier New Set Hints Debut of Thunderbolts

The Thunderbolts are seemingly beginning to assemble. The government seems to be bringing more people under its control now. Beginning with John Walker, the government has set the perfect example. The world finally got to see John Walker as an unstable killer, bludgeoning a Flag-Smasher to death with the literal symbol of American freedom.

Well, rumors suggest that a team of Thunderbolts is actually present in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This includes Ant-Man and the Wasp‘s Ghost, Tim Roth’s Abomination, and Black Widow‘s upcoming villain Taskmaster. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier itself houses a number of potential members such as Baron Zemo, Batroc the Leaper, and the Winter Soldier himself.  But Bucky has left those days behind him and will not be joining the team.

In the comics, Thunderbolt Ross has transformed into the Red Hulk to join the team himself. Currently, there are no signs of Ross doing something like this. He will return in the upcoming Black Widow movie, which is set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, meaning he will be the Secretary of State at the time. A reference to Thaddeus Ross exists in the series’ credit as a piece of text reads “According to Thaddeus Ross… All information regarding the Enhanced Humans Act has been… reported to be classified by Major Donavan of Special Unit…” While this isn’t direct confirmation of an appearance, it definitely sets the stage for a potential cameo in an upcoming episode. And I believe it that it will be as the Power Broker.

What do you think of Thunderbolt Ross as Power Broker? Let us know in the comments below!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for more exclusive content.

Back to top button