Bob: The Evolution of Loki in Thunderbolts

Thunderbolts*, the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shares many elements with the Avengers films, and I consider that a positive aspect. Broadly, it includes key storytelling elements that made the Avengers so captivating: a team-up narrative featuring heroes with varying styles and motives who learn to collaborate and join forces for a common cause. More notably, the Thunderbolts even engage in a battle amidst the remains of Tony Stark’s penthouse in Avengers tower.

Even more specifically, we have a character that feels like he’s been crafted in a lab to appeal to a certain segment of fans drawn to macho characters. Back in 2012, that appeal was embodied by Tom Hiddleston’s mischievous Loki. Fast forward 13 years to 2025, and we have Bob.

[Ed. note: This post contains spoilers for Thunderbolts*.]

Portrayed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Lewis Pullman, Bob is an unassuming, average guy who finds himself caught in the chaos of a rebellious antihero team. When we first encounter him, he’s at a high-security vault run by the unscrupulous CIA director and covert villain Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), completely oblivious to how he got there. Dressed in hospital scrubs with a disheveled appearance, complete with floppy dark hair and wide, soulful eyes, Bob captures sympathy from former Soviet assassin Yelena (Florence Pugh), who shows him some kindness, leading him to follow her around like a lost puppy. As the story unfolds, we discover that Bob carries a darker past and battles deep-seated feelings of depression and nihilism.

Eventually, we find out that he was one of the human test subjects in Valentina’s experiments, leaving him unaware of the extraordinary powers he now possesses.

Bob embodies numerous characteristics that are sure to excite a specific segment of fans online, resulting in an incredible blend of appeal. Imagine Loki’s remarkable ability to instantly transform from a disheveled, anxious figure into a brash god full of grandiose dreams. Now, add in Bucky Barnes’ traumatic backstory from the Winter Soldier era, involving lab experiments that led to grievous deeds. Mix in a voice that could easily narrate sultry audiobooks, and you’ve got Bob.

The fact that his name is Bob and that he’s often treated as a punching bag by the other characters in Thunderbolts* enhances his allure. Out with the alpha males! In with the endearing, downtrodden types!

I’m not entirely sure Marvel executives are fully aware of the potential allure Bob possesses. My colleague Austen Goslin suggests that the moment when Bob’s shirt gets dramatically torn, revealing his surprisingly toned abs, indicates that at least someone on set recognized his appeal. However, I would argue that the exposure of his abs was likely intended to imply that Bob had once been infused with some