Discover how Marvel’s Thunderbolts* differs from DC’s Suicide Squad as we explore their origins, missions, and characters in this antihero showdown.

Entertaining fans through decades with iconic characters and narratives filled with inspiration and courage, the world of superhero cinema has witnessed several changes and experiments with characters and storylines.

One such experiment occurred when creators wondered what would happen if roles were reversed, and the responsibility went over to antiheroes and villains, instead of superheroes. That’s when Marvel’s Thunderbolts* and DC’s Suicide Squad was born.

Florence Pugh and David Harbour in Thunderbolts* | image: Marvel Studios

Willing to explore setting up a few of the most questionable characters for a mission, Marvel and DC played with the idea of power in the hands of antiheroes. However, Thunderbolts* and the Suicide Squad couldn’t be more different. So let’s delve into their origins and characters to uncover how Marvel’s upcoming project is set to distinguish itself from DC’s popular franchise.

Who are Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, as per comics?

Although we began by comparing DC’s Suicide Squad with Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, the two groups have a significant difference. While they are both considered a team of rogues and misfits, who wouldn’t be the ideal choice for members of a super team, DC’s group is sent on a suicide mission, on the other hand, Marvel’s team is set up to gain the trust of the public.

The founder of this idea was none other than the Captain America foe, Baron Helmut Zemo, who saw the perfect opportunity to manipulate the public and gain global power, after the Earth’s heroes were wiped out by the conqueror known as Onslaught. But in order to make his plan successful, he needed a team of conspirators. That’s when he recruited Goliath, Fixer, Screaming Mimi, Beetle, and Moonstone.

The Thunderbolts characters from the comic strip | image: Marvel Comics

Thereafter, although this team of villains initially started as Zemo’s Masters of Evil in disguise, they eventually did the one thing he didn’t want them to do: reform. As they started enjoying being seen as heroes and doing good, Zemo’s master plan for global domination ultimately backfired and he was eventually overthrown by his team members as their leader.

Who are DC’s Suicide Squad? 

Unlike Thunderbolts, who were brought together by Baron Zemo, after the fall of the Avengers, DC’s Suicide Squad was brought together by Amanda Waller as a team of expendable villains meant to serve the US government. And unlike the Marvel characters who had a choice of serving or leaving, the DC villains were fitted with an explosive device to ensure their obedience during missions.

Therefore, while Zemo allowed free will, Amanda Waller’s team was on a suicide mission, hence the name Suicide Squad. But there was one positive aspect for the DC villains, as per the comic and the film adaptation, they were promised reduced prison sentences, in return for their life-threatening service for the government.

A still from David Ayer’s Suicide Squad (2016) | image: DC Studios, Warner Bros.

A few of the renowned members of the Suicide Squad were Rick Flag, Katana, Bane, Killer Croc, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, King Shark, Nightshade, Bloodsport, and Peacemaker.

How are Thunderbolts and Suicide Squad different? 

Based on the above-mentioned pointers about the two different franchises and their respective team of misfits, the key difference between the two groups can be spotted based on the characters’ motivations. While most of the Thunderbolts members are motivated by redemption, the members of the Suicide Squad are threatened to be killed off by the same people giving them orders, if they don’t abide by their rules.

The Suicide Squad characters from the comic strip | image: DC Comics

Therefore, since the Thunderbolts are ordered by no one, apart from their individual desire to do good for the public, the team often walks the line between good and bad, due to their constantly changing leadership. On the other hand, when it comes to the Suicide Squad—they don’t have any ulterior motive of serving humanity and are governed by one team leader Amanda Waller.

Therefore, while the Marvel antiheroes possess the potential of ultimately redeeming themselves, the DC characters lack redemption. Meanwhile, if you’re wondering which team might have a better edge over the other, it has to be the Suicide Squad.

No hate to Marvel, but while the franchise was busy setting up the plot for their characters to redeem themselves, DC was busy filling up the team with heavy hitters like Killer Croc, King Shark, Black Adam, and Enchantress to name a few.

Another thing that differentiates the Thunderbolts* from Suicide Squad films is the introduction of one of Marvel Comics’ strongest heroes, Bob aka The Sentry. Unlike the DC film, where there were no superhero introductions, this upcoming Marvel movie introducing a character that eventually goes on to be such a powerful hero in the franchise, is undoubtedly a brilliant move in setting apart Thunderbolts* from the Suicide Squad.

What does the asterisk mean in Thunderbolts*?

But what about the asterisk in Thunderbolts? While most fans initially considered it a typo, it now seems to be an important part of the film title. So what does it mean?

Well, after Kevin Feige was asked about the importance and meaning behind the asterisk at CinemaCon 2024, he created suspense by claiming that he was not allowed to address that until after the film’s release (via Screen Rant).

Yes, you’ll notice the asterisk on Thunderbolts. That is the official title of Thunderbolts, and we won’t talk more about that until after the movie comes out.

David Harbour and Sebastian Stan in the upcoming Marvel movie | image: Marvel Studios

Meanwhile, it seems that the recent trailer might have dropped a clue about the asterisks, as it suddenly appeared on the film’s title card after an exchange between Red Guardian and Bucky.

Red Guardian scream,

We are the Thunderbolts!

Bucky then shakes his head and says,

We can’t call ourselves that.

Thereafter, the trailer featured asterisks on the title, perhaps suggesting that the film’s name is subject to change before the film’s May 2, 2025 release date. Considering how Marvel isn’t afraid of changing the titles of its movies or shows, there might be a possibility of the studio changing the title for Thunderbolts* as well.

Thunderbolts* will hit the theatres on May 2, 2025. 

Suicide Squad films are currently available to watch on Max.