Who Is The New Marvel Group Introduced In She-Hulk? The Wrecking Crew Explained
Like many other characters in the Marvel Comics source material, the history of the formidable Wrecking Crew is full of twists and turns and unexpected connections. For one thing, the Wrecking Crew are actually typically considered to be villains of Thor, which neatly explains their New Asgard connection in “She-Hulk.” Created by Len Wein and Sal Buscema, the criminal team-up consists of Dr. Eliot Franklin/Thunderball, Henry Camp/Bulldozer, Brian Calusky/Piledriver, and their ringleader Dirk Garthwaite/Wrecker. In issue #17 of the 1974 “Defenders” comic book run, the team was imbued with their mystical powers when Garthwaite and the other three took up an enchanted crowbar (comics, baby!) in the middle of a thunderstorm, were struck by lightning, and immediately formed their fancy new supervillain group. As one does.
Their first appearance saw Bruce Banner himself eventually called in to help clean up the Wrecking Crew’s mess, further strengthening the Hulk connections in their live-action debut in the Disney+ series. Although dead-set on vanquishing Thor, the crew have also had run-ins with various other superheroes such as Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Captain America, and the Runaways. Far from just a mere inconvenience to the good guys, however, the Wrecking Crew have had a penchant for joining forces with the likes of Helmut Zemo’s Masters of Evil organization and Mr. Sinister, and they even a memorable run-in with the god of mischief Loki. Armed with Wrecker’s powerful crowbar and Thunderball’s ball and chain, the group has posed a significant threat that sees them repeatedly fighting heroes, ending up in prison, and breaking out all over again to begin the cycle anew.
Thus far, the “She-Hulk” end credits only identify that Wrecker is portrayed by actor Nick Gomez and Thunderball by Justin Eaton. Expect to see much more of them in the future.
