Is Mel in ‘Thunderbolts’ Actually Songbird in Disguise?

LOS ANGELES, CA — A popular theory among Marvel fans suggests Mel, played by Geraldine Viswanathan in the new film ‘Thunderbolts,’ might secretly be the character Songbird from the comics. Fans have drawn connections between Mel and Songbird based on her name and a bird necklace she wears throughout the film.

The theory gained traction as viewers noted that Mel’s name could be short for Melissa, the real name of Songbird (Melissa Gold) in the comics. Furthermore, Melissa Gold is known for her sonic powers, a stark contrast to Mel, who appears as a personal assistant to Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, with no visible powers of her own.

Originally introduced in the 1990s by creators Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley, Songbird was part of a group of villains disguising themselves as superheroes. In ‘Thunderbolts,’ Mel aids Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, in undermining Valentina’s evil plans, which suggests she wrestles with her morality, similar to Songbird’s character arc in the comics.

When questioned about the Songbird theory during interviews, Viswanathan hinted at a deeper connection, saying, ‘I really can’t say, or else I’ll be sniped. But all I can say is that… Hey! I would love to.’ This comment fueled speculation about her character potentially revealing superpowers in future Marvel projects.

The ‘Thunderbolts’ film, released on May 2, 2025, introduces an eclectic group of anti-heroes and villains, including characters such as Bucky Barnes and Yelena Belova. As the film progresses, Mel’s ambiguous loyalties and moral dilemmas set the stage for her possible transformation into a superhero role.

The possibility of Mel becoming Songbird adds an exciting layer to the current MCU story, aligning with Marvel’s tradition of planting seeds for future characters and developments. With ‘Avengers: Doomsday‘ scheduled for release in 2026, fans are hopeful that we will see more of Mel’s true potential in upcoming films.