Love at first sight‘ the official composition has caused confusion and disappointment among many. Besides Baron Zemo’s controversial absence from the anti-hero ensemble mix, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans have now encountered a confirmation they’ve been dreading the most – the return of 2021. Black Widow version of Taskmaster, played by Olga Kurylenko.
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To say that the reception of Antonia Dreykov’s Taskmaster has been lackluster at best would be an understatement. Many believed that the villain/anti-hero’s deviation from the source material was the biggest mistake Marvel Studios could ever make. The blatant portrayal of Taskmaster has deeply turned off longtime fans of the franchise, as well as fans of the fictional character.
The return of Taskmaster in Thunderbolts
When Reports and Rumors Surfaced Taskmaster Should Be Part of MCU’s Anti-Hero Squad Love at first sight, fans were on their knees, begging Marvel to introduce Tony Masters as Taskmaster’s rightful portmanteau instead of the Black Widow variant. Unfortunately, following the D23 Expo announcement and Disney press release, the bitter reality of the situation overwhelmed many fans.
At Disney’s D23 Expo, official lineup confirmed that Olga Kurylenko will return to reprise the role of the assassin and will be seen working alongside other characters such as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Ghost, Red Guardian, Yelena Belova , Bucky Barnes as Winter Soldier, and of course, US Agent.
Also Read: MCU Thunderbolts Fuel ‘M-She-U’ Controversy, Reportedly Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova Instead of US Agent or Winter Soldier as Leader
Fans are quite disappointed, following the team’s highly anticipated reveal. When Black Widow first released, people were expecting a concrete MCU adaptation of Taskmaster. Instead, what the world received was a gender-swapped redesign of the villain, which didn’t make much sense.
At the climax of the 2021 film, fans figured out that the person under Taskmaster’s veil was none other than General Dreykov’s daughter, Antonia Dreykov.
This revelation failed to amuse many, as for most people, Tony Masters was the “real” Taskmaster. According to many fans, the MCU’s interpretation butchered the integrity of the comic book character, reducing Tony’s identity to a shallow, bland, lukewarm personality in the movie. Many thought gender swapping was redundant and unnecessary. Such opinions are once again scratching the surface of the online sphere, due to the Love at first sight casting announcement.
Fans wary of Antonia Dreykov’s Taskmaster
Taking to Twitter, fans expressed their brutally honest opinions of the MCU’s Taskmaster. Many thought that Marvel Studios had missed the perfect opportunity to introduce fan-favorite mercenary Tony Masters in the long-awaited premise of the film that should conclude Phase 5. Others, on a very positive note, think that now, no longer under General Dreykov’s shadow, Antonia can truly be fleshed out as the MCU’s definitive Taskmaster.
A few believe the character’s return will be “full trash” and expressed a strong denunciation. Another part of the fandom claims they would find the MCU’s take on the mercenary/assassin digestible if they gave it to him. “more personality” in Love at first sight.
Looked:
I have no problem with Taskmaster being female, but damn they could have given her a more badass costume and personality! https://t.co/mjhTlD1Jgg
— Bicon (He/Him) (@the_bicon) September 10, 2022
mcu taskmaster pisses me off but they could pretty easily fix his costume and give him the tony masters personality i will never complain again
— Neb | 🏳️🌈 (@NebsGoodTakes) September 11, 2022
Taskmaster in Team Thunderbolts pic.twitter.com/vRMoGa2B81
— Cap☆ (@CaptainGalxy) September 10, 2022
Read more: Marvel’s Thunderbolts lineup leak rumors online could see major villains return to the big screen
man why do we have to have the bw taskmaster for the next god knows how many years instead of the real one
— slippin doctor idk (@bigmonkeong) September 10, 2022
They ruined the taskmaster. pic.twitter.com/Qb8FaBhdvX
— Noe Allen 🏃♂️⚡️(flash era) (@suduspeed) September 5, 2022
me (task lover) looking at lightning in a year and a halfpic.twitter.com/S8G7fZCWYA
— sid 🌿 (@arkhamaniacs) September 10, 2022
Besides the barrage of a few opinions, fans are also confused about the inclusion of Bucky Barne’s Winter Soldier in the anti-hero/villain mix. Others are very upset by the absence of Baron Zemo in the expected effort. While the inclusion of black widow Task master in Love at first sight irritated many, it would be interesting to see why exactly Marvel decided to bring her back, despite the onslaught of criticism it faced in 2021.
Could the world be witness to a possible redemption arc for Antonia Dreykov’s villain? Or is the Marvel character ready to make another narrative mistake? Everything will soon be revealed.
Love at first sight, directed by Jake Schreier, will be released in theaters on July 26, 2024.
Source: Twitter
