Thunderbolts: Will the MCU Finally Introduce the Original Taskmaster?

After years of speculation and mixed reactions to Black Widow’s twist on Taskmaster, the MCU might finally be paving the way for the original version of the character to appear. With Antonia Dreykov now dead following her brief and tragic return in Thunderbolts, fans are once again asking: Is this the moment Tony Masters—Marvel’s original Taskmaster—is finally stepping into the spotlight?

Antonia’s role as Taskmaster in Black Widow was a major departure from the comics. Instead of being a witty mercenary with a dark sense of humor and combat skills to rival anyone in the Avengers, the MCU introduced a silent, brainwashed assassin molded by Dreykov’s control.

Although she was freed by Natasha in the 2021 film, her reappearance in Thunderbolts was short-lived—killed in an early skirmish with Ghost, with little emotional closure. That shocking exit might not just be an end, but a reset.

Who is the Original male Taskmaster?

In the comics, Taskmaster is Anthony/ Tony Masters, a highly skilled mercenary with “photographic reflexes”—the ability to perfectly mimic any physical movement he witnesses. Introduced in Avengers #195 in 1980, Masters made a name for himself by training supervillains, henchmen, and even S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. He was no pawn—he had agency, wit, and a morally gray edge that made him a fan favorite.

Sporting his iconic skull mask and shield, he’s clashed with everyone from Captain America to Deadpool. Unlike Antonia, who was a mind-controlled weapon, Masters is fully aware of his actions, often switching allegiances depending on who’s paying. His charm and brutal efficiency have made fans hope for his MCU debut for years—and now, there may finally be space for him.

Will the male Taskmaster Return After Antonia Dreykov's Death?

Antonia’s death in Thunderbolts may have just opened the door for the real Taskmaster to step in. Interestingly, Antonia was the only Thunderbolt whose face was never shown in trailers or promotional material. She was also absent from the Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal, fueling theories that her identity might have been a placeholder for someone else—possibly Tony Masters himself.

Some fans speculate that Marvel intentionally left Antonia masked in Thunderbolts to keep a surprise twist under wraps. A popular Reddit theory on the Marvel Studios subreddit even suggests her death was staged or misdirected to quietly introduce Masters into the MCU—perhaps as the “real” Taskmaster going forward.

With the MCU now entering a phase focused on legacy characters, darker teams like the Thunderbolts, and new threats requiring experienced fighters, there’s never been a better time to introduce a ruthless combat trainer like Tony Masters. Whether as a villain, antihero, or someone working behind the scenes, his presence would finally bring the classic Taskmaster to life in the way comic fans have long hoped to see.

Thunderbolts is now playing in theaters.

Also Read: Thunderbolts Easter Eggs: Major MCU and Marvel Comics References You Might’ve Missed