It's Time, Marvel...Bring On The Thunderbolts

This is a slightly modified article that I originally wrote for The Odyssey, which I own the rights to. The original can be found here.
With Suicide Squad having hit theaters in August of 2016, it should be discussed as to whether Marvel should have their own antihero team-up in the MCU or even on Netflix, along with Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. If this movie were to happen, it would likely have to go on Netflix, as Marvel films have been more "kid-friendly" and light-hearted. Given the characters that have been most recently used in The Thunderbolts (one of the greatest versions in my opinion), they would be the team most likely to be used. It would be an opportunity to introduce new characters while using existing characters as well.

General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt)

General Ross has been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2008, starring in The Incredible Hulk, alongside Edward Norton and Liv Tyler and is going to be in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War. In the comics, Gen. Ross has also been The Red Hulk. A minor problem though is this has not been introduced in Marvel films just yet. This would likely need another Hulk solo film, which there are currently no plans for.

Elektra (Elodie Yung)

With the success of Marvel's Daredevil, Marvel could look to use on the Netflix characters in a much larger capacity and this would be a viable avenue, depending on what extent she might be used in Daredevil going forward. They didn't really interact in Season Two, but the relationship between Elektra and The Punisher that happened just before "The Punisher vs. The Thunderbolts" would be an interesting dynamic to explore. Elektra could also be shown as a strong character in her own right through such a series.

The Punisher (Jon Bernthal)

Continuing on the tangent of Daredevil, Jon Bernthal was another actor who had a fantastic portrayal of a Marvel character within the second season of Marvel's Daredevil. He was the essence of what I had always envisioned The Punisher to be. Want to see what I mean? Check out this video. Bringing The Punisher into The Thunderbolts here could give a chance to expand on Bernthal's role within the MCU as well as bringing more evidence for why a Punisher Netflix series is needed. If a Punisher series goes forward

Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds)

This will be kind of a stretch, but with a crossover with Spider-Man and Deadpool potentially happening, this opens up an interesting possibility to have The Merc with a Mouth in more Marvel works. I, for one, hope this deal can happen. Ryan Reynolds was phenomenal in Deadpool, which came out earlier this year. If Deadpool were to join the MCU (even in a relatively limited capacity), it would be a good thing for all parties involved and the (likely) movie could keep the darker elements. The breaking of the fourth wall could still happen in several ways including, but not limited to Wade making a "Netflix and chill" reference to Elektra. And if the deal itself falls through, then Deadpool can be written off in such a way that is not necessarily death, but would close the door (for this I was thinking of "The Punisher vs. The Thunderbolts" storyline where The Punisher basically dismembers Deadpool and keeps his body parts in places so he cannot heal).

Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider (Norman Reedus)

This would not be the first time Ghost Rider has been brought to life, as there were two abysmal films starring Nicholas Cage. I think enough time has passed from this to justify bringing Ghost Rider back. Marvel has already tackled a bit of everything, going into Norse mythology, magic, technology, as well as aliens. Why not go into some of the religiosity of the Marvel characters as well?

Flash Thompson/Agent Venom (???)

Spider-Man is coming to the MCU in Captain America: Civil War, but Venom has also had a less than stellar cinematic outing. Historically, Venom has always been Eddie Brock; however, in the most recent run of The Thunderbolts, Flash Thompson became Venom. Agent Venom's inclusion MIGHT be a little problem, as the MCU's Spider-Man is not debuting until Captain America: Civil War, so Venom's introduction to the MCU might have to wait. I would love to see this particular iteration of Venom to come to life though.