Led by VFX Supervisor Mat Krentz, Framestore’s Melbourne studio created a fully digital lab environment. The Thunderbolts visit Framestore’s digital version of the lab in the third act of the film, while exploring the memories of their new friend and colleague, Bob.

Bob’s recollection of the lab is controlled by his malevolent alter-ego, Void, who pins all of the Thunderbolts to the back of the room by throwing objects at them and melding them to the wall. Void then expands the environment to separate Bob from the Thunderbolts, before the lab begins to break down and crumble. Creating the space digitally allowed for complete creative freedom in terms of camera movement, destruction simulations, and interactive lighting, while seamlessly blending CG with live-action elements.

“During the fight scene, the room grows four times as long and starts to fall apart. The ability to dynamically extend the environment while maintaining photorealism was a significant achievement for the visual effects team.”

VFX Supervisor Mat Krentz

Framestore’s VFX teams were also tasked with developing the super-powered style of Bob’s flying powers, working closely with the filmmakers to establish a visual language for Bob’s flight. “We needed a way for him to be visible, even when moving quickly or far away from the camera,” expands Krentz. “So we looked at building a trail for him, we experimented with vapour and fire and other ideas before landing on the final effect.”

Bob’s first flight takes him straight up into the air, before he crashes back down into the mountain below, sending ripples across the terrain and military base camp. This sequence consisted of full CG shots, including digital crowds, a digital double for Bob, FX streaks, ground impact and debris.

“We also added some smaller details to the military costumes, adding in CG visors to the practical masks,” says Krentz. “It’s subtle details like that, combined with the full CG shots and the practical stunts that made Thunderbolts* so much fun to work on, it’s an amazing blend of practical and CG.”