Last week, a brand-new Thunderbolts* TV spot dropped with a lot of footage we’d seen before, and while the clip was packed with all the snark, chaos, and disillusioned antihero team-ups we were promised, one moment in particular has sent all of us into full detective mode. Specifically, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of Geraldine Viswanathan — and what appears to be a not-so-subtle nod to a long-rumored comic book alter ego. Now, back at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel officially announced she would be playing a character named “Mel”.
Not very superhero-y, we’re sure you’ll agree.
That reveal came via a video on Marvel Entertainment’s YouTube channel, and ever since, fans have been digging into comic lore to decode who “Mel” might really be. While Drive-Away Dolls star Viswanathan has only said that she plays Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s “little right-hand man,” most believe the writing is already on the wall: she’s probably Melissa Gold, a.k.a. Songbird.
In this latest trailer, Viswanathan’s character is seen wearing what looks suspiciously like a songbird necklace — an Easter egg that’s about as subtle as Red Guardian’s limo driving. While Marvel Studios hasn’t officially confirmed her character’s full identity, the visual clue is pretty on the nose for anyone familiar with the comics. Now, whether this “Mel” version of Songbird will come complete with her supersonic sound powers is still unclear, but we’d lean towards no, since Marvel has a habit of de-powering certain characters, especially newbies to the MCU.
Who Is Songbird in the Comics?

Songbird, originally introduced as Screaming Mimi in Marvel Two-in-One #54 (1979), was created by Mark Gruenwald, Ralph Macchio (no, not the Karate Kid, even if that is his nickname), and John Byrne. Over time, she evolved into one of the most iconic members of the Thunderbolts, as a reformed supervillain turned bona fide hero. In the comics, she’s known for her devastating sonic abilities and one of the more complex arcs in Marvel lore.
But so far, the film version doesn’t appear all that interested in adapting the comic team lineup beat-for-beat. The movie brings together characters already established in the MCU, including Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, David Harbour’s Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent, Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster, and Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost. Most of them will return for Avengers: Doomsday.
Thunderbolts* arrives in theaters on May 2, 2025. Stay tuned to Collider for more.

Thunderbolts*

Release Date

May 2, 2025

Runtime

126 Minutes

Director

Jake Schreier

Writers

Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo

Franchise(s)

Marvel Cinematic Universe