In a whirlwind of speculation and excitement, fans are buzzing over the character Mel from the latest Marvel film, Thunderbolts. Many believe Mel could be a nod to Melissa Gold, also known as Songbird, a character from the Marvel Comics universe. This theory has gained traction due to subtle hints in the film, including Mel's bird necklace and her name, which fans speculate could be short for Melissa.
Mel is portrayed by Geraldine Viswanathan, who steps into the role after Ayo Edebiri had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts. Viswanathan's character serves as the assistant to Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and although she isn't a superhero in the traditional sense, her role is pivotal in the unfolding narrative of Thunderbolts.
In the film, Mel's primary responsibility is to bring Valentina a good cup of coffee, but as the story progresses, her loyalty is tested. Initially devoted to Valentina, Mel begins to lose faith in her boss as she witnesses Valentina's obsession with the Sentry Project spiral out of control. In a moment of moral clarity, Mel chooses to help Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, in his quest to thwart Valentina's dangerous plans.
Viswanathan described her character's internal struggle in a conversation with Collider, stating, "It felt very clear what to track, and it was really just about that internal struggle, but also what makes her pop is you don’t really know where her head’s at because you’re not really following her, but she then ends up driving a lot of the plot." This complexity is what makes Mel a relatable character, especially for younger audiences navigating similar dilemmas in their own lives.
As fans continue to dissect Mel's character, the theory linking her to Songbird has gained momentum. In the comics, Songbird is a member of the Thunderbolts and has the ability to manipulate sound, which could provide an exciting future trajectory for Mel. The bird necklace she wears in the film has been interpreted as a symbolic connection to her potential transformation into Songbird. While Viswanathan has stated there are currently no plans for Mel to become Songbird, she acknowledged the speculation surrounding her character.
"You can't read the script before you sign on, so I was kind of trusting [the director]," Viswanathan remarked, reflecting on her journey to this significant role. Her excitement about joining the Marvel universe is palpable, as she shares, "It has that old-school Marvel sensibility but with a kind of nuanced, complex, sort of A24 twist." This fresh approach has resonated with audiences, as Thunderbolts has been praised as one of Marvel's best offerings in years, earning a staggering $162 million in its opening weekend.
Moreover, the film's success has positioned it as a crucial part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), especially as it transitions into Phase Six with the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. The stakes are high for the MCU, which has faced criticism and financial losses in previous phases. Thunderbolts not only revives interest but also introduces a new team of heroes who are now being dubbed the New Avengers.
As for Mel's future in the MCU, fans are hopeful she will gain superpowers and emerge as Songbird, especially with the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. Given that the revealed cast for Avengers: Doomsday is only half complete, there is speculation that Mel's character could see further development. The potential for her to inject herself with a serum, similar to what another character, Bob, experienced, adds another layer of intrigue to her storyline.
In Thunderbolts, Mel's character is not just a sidekick; she plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the story, especially as she navigates her relationship with Valentina and Bucky. Her awareness of Bucky's attempts to sway her and her eventual decision to inform him about Valentina's darker motives underscore her importance in the film's narrative.
Viswanathan's portrayal of Mel has resonated with audiences, as she embodies the struggles of a young woman caught between ambition and ethics. She stated, "It was really exciting to see Mel's arc. It's relatable, especially for young people who are ambitious and smart and want to be a force of good in the world." This relatability is a significant aspect of the film's appeal, particularly among younger viewers.
As the MCU continues to evolve, Mel's character could indeed pave the way for a deeper exploration of her potential as Songbird. The hints dropped in Thunderbolts combined with Viswanathan's engaging performance suggest that Marvel fans may not have seen the last of Mel's superhero journey.
In conclusion, while the theories surrounding Mel's transformation into Songbird remain speculative, they reflect the excitement and engagement of the Marvel fanbase. With Thunderbolts receiving critical acclaim and strong box office results, the future looks bright for both Geraldine Viswanathan and her character, Mel, as they navigate the ever-expanding Marvel universe.
