‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’: Thunderbolt Ross to Maria Hill, 6 supporting characters MCU needs to revisit
We're just over a week away from the release of 'The Falcon and the Winter Solider' (TFATWS), Marvel's second TV show. It promises to revisit the MCU's more traditional action-thriller genre and if trailers are anything to go by, it will have a political angle. From Captain America's legacy to the Flag Smashers, politics is going to be a key theme of the series.
Politics has always had a presence in the MCU, from President Ellis in 'Iron Man 3' to the Sokovia Accords in 'Captain America: Civil War', we've seen characters and stories play out reflecting the grounded reality of the universe. To do that, Marvel has built a sizeable roster of supporting characters, each with a small but key role in the MCU. Ahead of the release of TFATWS, we'd like to explore six supporting characters Marvel needs to bring back.
If the show does bring them back, it would help give the MCU a great sense of continuity in Phase 4. It would also help reflect the situation post-blip of the chaos and order in the MCU. We can't say for sure they will be back, but we hope they are!
Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross
Played by: William Hurt
Appeared in: 'The Incredible Hulk', 'Captain America: Civil War', 'Avengers: Infinity War', 'Black Widow'
The former army general was last seen as the Secretary of State in Civil War, before his brief appearances in the final Avengers films. Ross is one of the MCU's most pivotal supporting characters, driving the conflict in both 'The Incredible Hulk' and Civil War. He was reportedly snapped out of existence, so his return to a very different America post-blip will make for an interesting story. His appearance will also help explain what happened to the Sokovia Accords, which was suspiciously absent from 'Spider-Man: Far From Home'.
Is Ross still the Secretary of State? Or has he retired? Either way, his presence will be valuable in the story of Captain America's legacy and it would be disappointing if Marvel did not address him. Hopefully, he gets adequate screen time, helping add more tension to the story.
Alexander Peirce
Played by: Robert Redford
Appeared in: 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', 'Avengers Endgame'
The former Undersecretary of the World Council was revealed to be a Hydra member and was killed off in Cap's second film. Thankfully, he did make a brief appearance in the Endgame but is firmly dead in the main continuity. Peirce's legacy and his complex story will most likely be ignored, but it shouldn't be. It's unfortunate that Marvel killed off the character who could have had such an impact on TFATWS. It would be nice to see his legacy addressed, even indirectly in the show.
Peirce is closely tied to the history of both the lead characters, so it would be great if Marvel could acknowledge that. It's very unlikely that they will though. Maybe a flashback from Bucky? Or even being addressed in passing. It would be a nice nod to 'The Winter Solider' and the complex history of SHIELD.
Senator Stern
Played by: Garry Shandling
Appeared in: 'Iron Man 2', 'Captain America: The Winter Solider'
Another Hydra operative, the character of Senator Stern was as close as the MCU got to addressing the US government. The hearings in 'Iron Man 2' helped reflect the reality of the MCU, adding extra tension to the world of superheroes. The last time we saw him, he was being taken to jail after Hydra files were leaked in 'The Winter Solider'. We know he is alive, so why not bring him back in some capacity? The Hydra arc may be dead and buried, but Stern could be seen as a member of the Flag Smashers, which makes sense given their ideologies are similar to that of Hydra.
While it is almost impossible to see Stern as a Senator again, having him pull the strings from jail would be an interesting addition to the series. It would also help tie the show to 'The Winter Soldier', where Sam and Bucky got their start. But it's almost a guarantee that Marvel won't address Stern, preferring to leave him in jail.
President Matthew Ellis
Played by: William Sadler
Appeared in: 'Iron Man 3'
President Ellis's role in 'Iron Man 3' was perhaps the best example of the MCU's complex relationship with politics. Unfortunately, the character has since disappeared, which is particularly disappointing. Ellis's presence at the Sokovia Accords signing or even in 'The Winter Solider' would have helped further deepen the relationship, but it never happened. Now, TFATWS has the opportunity to address that.
Even if Ellis isn't president anymore, he could still play a critical role in the MCU. If the show is going to address politics, it needs to address its most high-profile politician. Like Ross, it would be great to see Ellis make a cameo in the show or at least be mentioned in dialogue. Marvel's treatment of the president has been surprisingly disappointing, and now TFATWS offers a path to correct that.
Everett Ross
Played by: Martin Freeman
Appeared in: 'Captain America: Civil War', 'Black Panther'
From a small role in Civil War to a close ally to T'Challa in 'Black Panther', Ross has been well developed in the MCU. His story is closely tied to that of Helmut Zemo, so it would be really awkward if he did not appear in TFATWS. As Deputy Task Force Commander, Ross is best poised to mentor or at least be the point of contact for Sam and Bucky with the government. We haven't seen him in any of the trailers so far, so his appearance is doubtful at best.
Unlike other characters, Marvel can't write off Ross entirely. He will almost certainly make an appearance in 'Black Panther 2', and Freeman himself has admitted he is contracted for more films. Having him appear in TFATWS would be a nice nod to his role in the government and help bridge 'Black Panther' with the wider MCU.
Maria Hill
Played by: Cobie Smulders
Appeared in: 'The Avengers', 'Captain America: The Winter Solider', 'Avengers: Age of Ultron', 'Spider-Man: Far From Home'
Nick Fury's right-hand man (or woman) hasn't exactly been well developed by Marvel. She has had few moments to shine, which is why giving her a role in TFAWTS would be a great idea. Her fate wasn't clearly addressed, we know she is being played by a Skrull in 'Far From Home', but she wasn't seen in the post-credits scene. So where is she? It would be good for Marvel to bring her back and help serve as a valuable link for Sam and Bucky with Fury, who we know is still around.
Having Hill in the show would also be a great way to further develop her skill set and hopefully set her up for a bigger role in the MCU. She deserves it and Marvel has a great platform to do so with the show. Will they? Again very unlikely.