If you thought Marvel was all about flashy heroes and over-the-top team-ups, think again. Thunderbolts* has arrived, and it’s serving us a hearty slice of Avengers-style action with a unique twist. Sure, it boasts those familiar storytelling beats – a ragtag group of heroes with wildly different styles learning to work together and taking on some pretty shady villains – but it goes a step further. Picture high-octane scenes like a brawl in the iconic remains of Tony Stark’s penthouse in Avengers Tower. And then, there’s Bob.
Bob might sound like your average Joe, but don’t be fooled! Played by Lewis Pullman (yes, the very same guy who rocked it in Top Gun: Maverick), Bob is the unexpected heart of Thunderbolts* – a character who instantly reminds you of the legendary Tom Hiddleston’s Loki from 2012, only with a refreshing everyman spin. In a time when heroic idealism meets a dark, nihilistic past, Bob is here to steal the spotlight. He appears at first as a mild-mannered guy in hospital scrubs, complete with floppy dark hair and those irresistibly sad, puppy-dog eyes. And as his story unfolds, we learn that behind that unassuming exterior lies a troubled soul grappling with hidden powers he never knew he possessed.
Meet Bob: Loki 2.0? Initially trapped in a high-security vault under the watchful eye of the ethically questionable (and totally scheming) CIA bigwig Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (yes, the Julia Louis-Dreyfus showstopper), Bob’s life is turned upside down by unexpected kindness from former Soviet assassin Yelena (played by Florence Pugh). It’s her compassionate nudge that sets Bob on a path of self-discovery – and trust us, his journey is riddled with more twists than a classic Marvel bender. As secrets of his darker past gradually emerge, including the bombshell that he was a lab experiment for Valentina’s grand designs, we can’t help but see a familiar evolution: that brilliant transformation from a downtrodden everyman to a powerhouse with mysterious abilities, reminiscent of Loki’s own shape-shifting charisma.
From Absolute Underdog to Sizzling Superhero If you’re wondering why Bob is already sparking discussions online, here’s the lowdown. Imagine Loki’s knack for morphing from a meek, wrinkled figure into a charismatic god with delusions of grandeur – then mix in a dash of Bucky Barnes-style trauma (think Winter Soldier vibes) and you’ve got Bob. He’s the kind of character built to resonate with those fans who prefer a hero with raw, relatable vulnerability over the impeccably chiseled archetypes we’ve seen before. And let’s be honest, there’s something irresistibly endearing about a guy called Bob getting a hard time from the rest of the crew. Who wouldn’t root for the underdog when the so-called alpha types are off the table?
Iconic Moments and the Sizzling Abs Debate Now, a little birdie (okay, a colleague named Austen Goslin) hinted that there might be something more electrifying about Bob than meets the eye. There’s a scene where his shirt is dramatically shredded, and suddenly, we catch a glimpse of a set of ripped abs – a teaser to the idea that Bob was once, or might still be, brimming with superhero serum-induced potential. Whether that moment is a subtle nod to fans craving a bit of superhero aesthetic or just a well-timed wink from the production team, one thing’s clear: Bob is poised to redefine cool. Forget the conventional Chris Pratt/Evan style of shirtless heroics; the new era is seeing more of those thought-provoking Bob fancams on TikTok than ever before.
A Fan-Fueled Phenomenon Loki’s legendary status wasn’t built overnight – it took nearly a decade of Tumblr gifsets, endlessly creative Photoshopped edits, and enough fanfiction to fill a Marvel vault. Bob is set to follow in those illustrious footsteps, transitioning from being Ruby-tinted underdog lore to the next viral sensation with slick TikTok fancams and thirst edits. In a world where heroes are often measured by their muscular might, Bob gives us a reminder that bravery, mysterious superpowers, and a dash of well-timed vulnerability can culminate in an unexpectedly riveting character.
Now, gear up, fellow Marvel enthusiasts – 2025 is shaping up to be the year of Bob, and we’re all here for the ride! Let’s welcome the Loki 2.0 we never knew we desperately needed.
Source: This article was inspired by content from Polygon . All images belong to their respective owners.