Marvel Studios has just introduced a fresh crop of heroes and villains, breathing new life into the MCU post-Avengers: Endgame. Among them is Geraldine Viswanathan, who makes her much-anticipated debut in Thunderbolts. While fans are getting to know familiar faces like Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes and Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, Viswanathan’s character, Mel, has everyone buzzing with anticipation.
Though we haven’t been given a full breakdown of her character’s arc yet, it’s clear that Mel plays a crucial role in the movie, especially when it comes to aiding Barnes’ team. As Marvel prepares for the next phase of storytelling, fans are already speculating that this isn’t the last we’ll see of Viswanathan in the MCU.
The Connection to Songbird: What the Clues Tell Us
From the very first moments of Viswanathan’s appearance, there was something undeniably intriguing about her character. Her character’s name, Mel, has left fans wondering if it could be short for Melissa Gold—a nod to the iconic Marvel character Songbird. And the more we see, the more these theories seem to hold weight.
Perhaps the biggest clue came from her wearing a distinctive bird-shaped necklace, a symbol that fans know well in association with Songbird’s abilities and persona. This, combined with the fact that Viswanathan’s Mel seems to be heavily involved in aiding the Thunderbolts team, has led many to believe that Mel’s transformation into Songbird is not just a possibility—it’s almost a certainty.
Brian Chapek’s Slip: A Big Hint About Mel’s Future
Producer Brian Chapek recently dropped a major hint regarding Viswanathan’s role, making it even more likely that her character will eventually become Songbird in future MCU installments. In an interview, Chapek discussed the ambiguity surrounding Mel’s true identity, saying, “There is a character that fans are trying to figure out if she or is she not — I would say what emblem does she wear that may or may not hint at this character’s larger identity.”
While Chapek didn’t directly confirm Viswanathan’s character as Songbird, the emphasis on the emblem is hard to ignore, especially since Songbird is known for her iconic bird imagery. With this piece of the puzzle, it seems more likely than ever that Mel will eventually don the mantle of the superhero we know as Songbird.
Viswanathan on the Possibility of Playing Songbird
In an interview with BuzzFeed, Viswanathan teased fans with a hint about her character’s potential transformation. While she was tight-lipped about Mel’s future, she did express her excitement about the possibility of becoming Songbird. “I really can’t say, or else I’ll be sniped, but all I can say is that… Hey! I would love to. I’m available, and this experience has been such a dream and I would love to do it again, if I could,” she shared.
Viswanathan’s enthusiasm for her role is palpable, and it’s clear that she’s eager to continue her journey within the MCU. Given her track record in Miracle Workers and her undeniable charm, it’s easy to see why fans are eager to see more of her character in upcoming projects.
Songbird’s Powers and Role in the MCU
For those unfamiliar with Songbird, the character is a powerhouse in her own right. First introduced as a member of the Thunderbolts, Songbird (aka Melissa Gold) has the ability to generate and control sound waves, using them to create solid constructs and incapacitate enemies with sonic blasts. These powers make her an essential asset to any superhero team, and it’s easy to imagine Mel’s eventual journey into full-on superhero status.
While Mel’s role in Thunderbolts might have been more supportive, it’s clear that the groundwork has been laid for her to take on a larger role in the MCU. As the Thunderbolts continue to expand, Songbird could very well become one of the team’s most reliable members, and we wouldn’t be surprised if she were a key player in future MCU storylines.
As Marvel Studios continues to push the boundaries of its cinematic universe, Viswanathan’s Mel seems poised for a bright future. From her relationship with Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra de Fontaine to her growing importance within the Thunderbolts team, it’s clear that the character has a lot more to offer.
Viswanathan’s performance, combined with the breadcrumbs Marvel has left regarding Mel’s possible transformation into Songbird, has created an exciting narrative that fans can’t wait to see unfold.
So, as we await the next phase of the MCU, one thing is certain: Geraldine Viswanathan’s journey is just getting started.