Power Levels and Threats in the MCU

Marvel’s Thunderbolts* was one of the MCU’s most unpredictable films, with a cast full of misfits, spies, antiheroes, and potential world-ending threats. Unlike the Avengers, this group isn’t bound by clean-cut heroism but by necessity. This makes their team dynamics and power rankings even more interesting and varied, especially when compared to the rest of the Thunderbolts* cast.

The Thunderbolts* cast includes the eponymous team, later rebranded as the New Avengers, as well as key human figures and an overwhelming villain. This variety makes their respective threat levels a fascinating insight. The power levels within the team alone vary wildly, with a super spy, multiple super soldiers, and several victims of failed experiments from the MCU timeline.

Mel Gold, Valentina’s Assistant

At first glance, Mel Gold is the least threatening member of the Thunderbolts, functioning as Valentina’s sharp and loyal assistant. Yet she demonstrates surprising importance when she tips off Bucky Barnes about Valentina’s hidden motives. This prevented the group from being manipulated into destruction.

Later, Mel’s decision to express concern about Bob’s well-being drives the team toward a mission in New York City, ultimately leading them to the Watchtower. Crucially, Mel later activates Bob’s fail-safe, accidentally unleashing the Void. These show her decisive role in escalating the story.

While Mel is presented as fully human and nobly intentioned, her bravery makes her invaluable even if she lacks powers. Interestingly, this might change in the MCU’s future. Theories suggest Mel could be revealed as Songbird, a classic Thunderbolts character named Mellisa Gold, but until then, she remains the least threatening member of the cast.

Valentina Allegra De Fontaine

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine wields no physical superpowers. Yet she still ranks above Mel due to her mastery of espionage, political maneuvering, and shadowy influence. She’s the orchestrator behind the team, pulling strings and using government authority to manipulate both heroes and villains into doing her bidding.

In the MCU, Valentina has already proved herself a capable power broker, recruiting several vigilantes, while also showing an uncanny ability to bend global events in her favor. Her true power lies in bureaucracy and control. This makes her dangerous, not through brute force but through systems and secrets.

While Valentina couldn’t physically challenge anyone on the team, her ability to pit enhanced fighters against each other ensures she’s always holding the cards. In a way, she’s more terrifying than a super-soldier. She represents the machinery of government turned toward morally gray ends.

Antonia Dreykov AKA Taskmaster

Taskmaster looking toward the camera in Thunderbolts* (2025)

Taskmaster was introduced in Black Widow as one of the most intimidating characters in the MCU. With the ability to mimic her opponents’ fighting styles, she seemingly posed a significant threat. However, Antonia Dreykov was swiftly undermined in Thunderbolts* when she was unceremoniously killed by the team.

Taskmaster’s ranking in terms of raw threat feels diminished in the MCU. That said, her abilities are still formidable. With time and proper development, Taskmaster could easily rise to a higher tier.

Yet within the Thunderbolts setup, Antonia seems less dangerous compared to others like Bucky Barnes or Ghost. Her skills are exceptional, but her narrative treatment makes her weaker than she should be. This left her one of the less threatening fighters on the team despite the comic counterpart.

Yelena Belova AKA Black Widow

Yelena sarcastically smiling in Thunderbolts*

Yelena Belova is one of the most talented spies and assassins in the MCU. She inherited Natasha Romanoff’s legacy while adding her own mix of charm and deadly efficiency. She excels in close-quarters combat, infiltration, and strategy, having been trained in the brutal Red Room program since childhood. This made her the ideal candidate to lead the New Avengers.

However, Yelena is still entirely human. This hampers her power ranking compared to her enhanced allies. She doesn’t have superhuman strength, speed, or durability, but her resourcefulness often makes up for it. Her willingness to improvise, combined with her cunning, means she can hang in battles far above her weight class.

On the Thunderbolts, she’s the grounded emotional core. Sure, she’s dangerous, but she’s not world-ending. Against super-soldiers and entities like the Void, Yelena may not be the strongest, but she’s one of the most reliable and vital members when everything falls apart.

Ava Starr AKA Ghost

Ghost has one of the most unique and dangerous power sets among the Thunderbolts: molecular phasing. Ava Starr can phase through solid objects, destabilize technology, and become nearly untouchable in a fight. Her abilities are the result of a quantum accident, leaving her in constant physical pain but also giving her an unpredictable edge against any opponent.

Ghost is both deadly and tragic. Her condition makes her a reluctant fighter rather than a true villain. While she doesn’t have super strength or durability, her intangibility makes her incredibly difficult to neutralize.

Ghost ranks higher than Taskmaster and Yelena because of her sheer unpredictability and the rarity of her abilities. However, her instability and need for survival keep her from being the most reliable team member. Still, in one-on-one combat, few Thunderbolts could handle her powers head-on.

Alexei Shostakov AKA Red Guardian

Red Guardian smirking while standing in a spotlight in Black Widow

Alexei Shostakov, better known as the Red Guardian, is essentially Russia’s answer to Captain America – a mighty MCU super soldier created during the Cold War. Unfortunately, age and years of inactivity have slowed him down. Nevertheless, Alexei still boasts superhuman strength, endurance, and durability.

In Black Widow, he proved himself capable of taking punishment and holding his own in battle, though often clumsily. In Thunderbolts*, his strength and tenacity made him a notable figure in the fight against Sentry, though he largely proved ineffective.

Still, Red Guardian’s powers guarantee he ranks solidly in the middle of the Thunderbolts* cast. If Alexei gets serious, he can go toe-to-toe with enhanced enemies, but his comedic personality and self-delusion often hold him back. He’s powerful, but far from the most dangerous among the team.

John Walker AKA U.S. Agent

Wyatt Russell's John Walker wears his US Agent helmet in front of a yellow X in Thunderbolts_ — Wyatt Russell’s John Walker wears his US Agent helmet in front of a yellow X in Thunderbolts_

John Walker’s time as Captain America demonstrated both his physical power and his instability. Enhanced with a version of the super soldier serum, Walker possesses strength, speed, and endurance that put him on par with Steve Rogers. However, unlike Steve, John is reckless and aggressive.

John Walker was less controlled in battle. His execution of an enemy in broad daylight during The Falcon and the Winter Soldier proved how dangerous his combination of power and volatility can be. As U.S. Agent, he’s been recruited into Valentina’s shadow network, making him a prime candidate for the Thunderbolts.

Walker ranks high due to his abilities and his unpredictability. Though more controlled, his temper can (and does) make him a liability as well as a lethal weapon. Among the human members of the team, Walker is one of the most physically dangerous.

Bucky Barnes AKA The Winter Soldier

Bucky Barnes is one of the MCU’s most lethal fighters. Not just because of his super soldier enhancements, but also due to decades of assassin experience as Hydra’s Winter Soldier. His vibranium arm gives him a mechanical advantage, and his combat training makes him one of the most efficient killers in the MCU.

Unlike John Walker, Bucky has regained emotional control, which makes him less reckless but no less dangerous. His ability to remain calm under pressure elevates him above most teammates. Moreover, his tactical instincts make him a natural leader.

Bucky may not be the strongest compared to beings like the Hulk or the Void. However, among the MCU’s super soldiers, he’s near the top. With a mix of morality, combat skill, and experience, Bucky is the most lethal member of the group and the MCU’s most feared assassin.

Sentry AKA The Void

The Void (Lewis Pullman) in Thunderbolts with one hand out

Topping the ranking by an immeasurable margin is Sentry – and more specifically, his darker half, the Void. In Marvel Comics, Sentry possesses the “power of a million exploding suns,” making him one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe and the most overpowered comic book character ever. Introducing him in Thunderbolts* is a game-changer.

Sentry is essentially Marvel’s answer to Superman, but with a fragile mind that could unleash his monstrous alter ego. The Void represents pure annihilation: a force that could wipe out entire cities without effort. No other member of the Thunderbolts (and beyond) comes close to this scale of power.

While others bring espionage, combat skill, or enhanced strength, Sentry exists on a cosmic tier. This makes him as much a threat to his teammates as he is to enemies. His ranking isn’t just highest among the Thunderbolts* cast – it’s terrifyingly beyond comparison.