Man-Thing considered for Marvel's Thunderbolts* according to unused concept art

Newly released concept artwork and storyboards reveal that the Marvel Cinematic Universe character Man-Thing was considered for a role in the upcoming film Thunderbolts*. The unused illustrations, shared by storyboard artist Anthony Lee Winn, depict the swamp creature alongside the film's ensemble cast.

Director Jake Schreier and writer Eric Pearson noted that while the character was a strong candidate to bridge the MCU's supernatural and superhero elements, he was ultimately cut from the production. Pearson explained that Man-Thing's unpredictable nature made him difficult to integrate into the narrative.

One primary reason for the decision was the need to focus on the character Bob (played by Lewis Pullman). Filmmakers felt that the presence of a monstrous creature like Man-Thing would distract from Bob's character arc and his journey toward discovering his immense power. Additionally, the character's origins were potentially linked to CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who reportedly viewed the creature as evidence she wanted destroyed.