The Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s penchant for star power has continued to shine brightly, with the franchise having added the one and only Steven Yeun to the call sheet of Thunderbolts. Exactly who the Walking Dead and Nope star will be portraying has yet to be revealed, but with the actor also reportedly being in for a key role, such a distinction was all Twitter needed to get down and dirty with speculation.
Indeed, the consensus surrounding Yeun’s mystery role is none other than Amadeus Cho, a prodigal teenager who, in the comics, succeeds Bruce Banner as the Hulk, instead adopting the mantle Brawn.
Now would certainly be a good time to introduce Amadeus to the MCU; beyond Bruce, the character has comics ties with several of Phase Four’s newer characters, including Jen Walters (aka She-Hulk), Hercules, and Namora. On top of that, we could be due for some World War Hulk-esque shenanigans sooner than we think, given that the comics rendition of happens to be the storyline where Amadeus meets these aforementioned characters.
Given Amadeus’ distinction as a 19-year-old prodigy in the comics, not everyone is convinced that the 39-year-old Yeun will be showing up this way. Of course, Marvel has never been afraid to mess with the canon before (Hank Pym would have been an Avenger, otherwise), and if push comes to shove, Yeun’s aging ability is such that slotting him in as a 20-something isn’t out of the question.
Whoever he ends up playing, Yeun will no doubt be an asset to Marvel’s endeavors going forward; Oscar nominees usually are.
Thunderbolts will release to theaters on July 26, 2024.