Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus has appeared as the mysterious Countess Valentina Allegra de Fontaine across numerous titles comprising Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her purpose in the overarching story has thus far been uncertain. A new report may shed some time on the endgame.
According to scooper DanielRPK, Marvel Studios is currently developing a project that will see Fontaine lead the United States into a war against the sovereign and advanced nation of Wakanda. The reasons behind the war are currently unknown and it is also uncertain if the upcoming Thunderbolts film will play into it. It should be noted this has not been officially confirmed.
Wakanda will likely undergo drastic changes following the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The film sees the country face off against the ocean-dwelling people of Talocan. Audiences will only be able to find out how Wakanda fares against Namor and his forces when the film premieres on Nov. 11.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the MCU
While her role has not been revealed, there have been hints here and there. Producer Nate Moore previously discussed Louis-Dreyfus' character. He revealed the initial idea was to replace Nick Fury, a notable leader in the MCU. However, it was Louis-Dreyfus herself who pushed that idea to evolve. Moore explained, "There was a fun energy to her that immediately you realize this person has a weight and a gravity, but they're not the same as Nick Fury. It's a completely different energy."
Moore has also discussed Louis-Dreyfus' enthusiasm for the franchise and her character. He explained, "She certainly didn't come to us and say, 'I'll be in one show once.' She was like, 'I want to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.'"
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, based on the comic book character of the same name, made her first appearance in the Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, revealing herself to Jonathan F. Walker and ultimately giving him the U.S Agent identity and persuading him to serve the United States in secret. She next appeared in Black Widow, manipulating Yelena Belova into believing Hawkeye was behind Natasha Romanoff's demise, leading into Yelena's appearance in the Hawkeye series on Disney+.
The Countess' Thunderbolts
The Countess will next appear in Thunderbolts, whose cast was announced at this year's D23 Expo. Her team of supervillains and antiheroes will consist of Yelena Belova's Black Widow, played by Florence Pugh; Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soldier, played by Sebastian Stan; Red Guardian, played by David Harbour; U.S Agent, played by Wyatt Russell; Taskmaster, played by Olga Kurylenko); and Ghost, played by Hannah John-Kamen.
When it comes to the Thunderbolts, it has also been rumored that Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross, now played by actor Harrison Ford, will make an appearance in the film, though this has not yet been confirmed. It was later confirmed Ford has been cast as Ross, replacing the late William Hurt, though he is set to appear in Captain America: New World Order. It's still uncertain if he will appear in Thunderbolts.
Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts is scheduled to hit theaters on July 26, 2024.
Source: Twitter