The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Thunderbolts (released May 2, 2025) is set to redeem and breathe new life into misunderstood and forgotten characters. One of these characters is Ghost, played by Hannah John-Kamen, who first appeared in 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp. The character hasn’t appeared in the MCU since then, but Thunderbolts is bringing this underrated character back into the spotlight. According to John-Kamen, Ghost has changed a lot since her last appearance.
Ghost's New Incarnation
In an interview with Fandango, Jan-Kamen spoke about Ghost's evolution alongside her Thunderbolts co-stars Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, and Wyatt Russell. "She's a loner... She's very much a lone wolf and very stubborn in that sense," Jan-Kamen explained Ghost's mental state. This state makes it difficult for her to be part of the Thunderbolts team, which includes anti-heroes like Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Taskmaster, and U.S. Agent.
In Ant-Man and the Wasp, Eva Starr (Ghost) is introduced as a tragic character with the ability to transform her body into an invisibility cloak. This ability causes her constant pain and brings her closer to death. S.H.I.E.L.D. While escaping, she attempts to treat her condition using Hank Pym's quantum research. However, her condition was stabilized with the help of Janet Van Dyne. Jan-Kamen revealed that Ghost would no longer appear as a victim in Thunderbolts. "She has a new suit. I called it 'Gertrude'. It came from Berlin, and its theme song is Rammstein's 'Du Haast'," she said. Ghost no longer appears to be trembling and afraid of death, but instead, she has become stronger and more dangerous than ever.
Thunderbolts Early Reactions
Criticisms that the MCU has declined in quality since Avengers: Endgame have been common. Except for a few films, such as Deadpool & Wolverine and Spider-Man: No Way Home, most post-Endgame projects have failed to impress critics and audiences. The recent release of Captain America: Brave New World also failed to meet expectations in February. Official reviews for Thunderbolts will be released closer to its May 2nd release date, but reports from test screenings are promising.
A test screening response on Reddit stated: “If you’re into the superhero genre, this is a must-see. The character journey is interesting, the team dynamic is reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy, and the way Sentry/Void is integrated into the story is very engaging.”
Clash with the Sentry
The Thunderbolts will face off against one of Marvel’s most powerful villains, the Sentry (Lewis Pullman). Known as Marvel’s psychotic Superman, Sentry is a threat that the Avengers are on par with. However, with the Avengers currently in disarray, the Thunderbolts are the only hope to save the day. The trailer suggests that Ghost's phasing and invisibility abilities will play a key role in these action sequences.
Thunderbolts is giving the MCU's forgotten characters, especially Ghost, a chance to breathe new life into them. With Hannah John-Kamen's new suit, strong stance, and dangerous confidence, Ghost is sure to give fans a compelling experience in this film. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film has the potential to reinvigorate the MCU. Stay tuned for more details in the Fandango interview or official reviews.