Marvel Studios has released the first teaser for Thunderbolts*, the upcoming film set to conclude Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
This movie will focus on the titular ensemble of heroes and antiheroes, directed by Jake Schreier, with a screenplay by Eric Pearson and Lee Sung Jin. The cast features several iconic characters from Marvel’s universe, including Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko).
Lewis Pullman, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, is set to make his Marvel debut in this film. He will portray Sentry, also referred to as Robert Reynolds, capturing the complexities of a character who embodies both villainous and heroic traits, akin to Marvel’s Superman.
The teaser features Yelena Belova, portrayed by Florence Pugh, visiting her father, Red Guardian (David Harbour), who appears to be struggling. Both characters are shown to be searching for thrill in their lives, indicating their dissatisfaction with the status quo.
In the teaser, we also see Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost, and Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster, as they confront one another while trying to comprehend their situations.
According to the teaser, Sebastian Stan reprises his role as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier. Bucky initially clashes with the Thunderbolts before rising to become their unofficial leader.
When will Thunderbolts* hit theaters?
There has been extensive debate over recent Marvel phases about whether the superhero genre and the franchise are nearing their end. However, Wyatt Russell, star of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, has expressed a different perspective.
The actor mentioned that Thunderbolts* is far from being “a straightforward Marvel movie” and believes it’s time to create something truly remarkable. He will reprise his role as John Walker, a.k.a. U.S. Agent.
The final film of Phase Five within the MCU, Thunderbolts*, is scheduled for release in the United States on May 5, 2025. Before this, Captain America: Brave New World will hit theaters on February 14, 2025, aiming to build on the box office success of Deadpool & Wolverine.
Strongest Members Of The Thunderbolts: Ranked
Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley first introduced a new lineup of heroes in the inaugural Thunderbolts issue. This group, in reality, consisted of the Masters of Evil masquerading as heroes while scheming for world domination. Over time, many members have been persuaded to confront their pasts and embrace their roles as genuine Thunderbolts.
The Thunderbolts represent a redemption arc for Marvel villains, evolving through multiple iterations as observed by fans. The team has showcased the tremendous powers of various remarkably strong heroes and villains throughout its history.
On October 8, 2022, Scoot Allan provided an update regarding the project. As part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s fourth phase, Thunderbolts is being developed. Although the roster will differ from the comics, the Thunderbolts comic series has introduced notable characters, including America Chavez, considered one of the team’s most heroic iterations.
13. MACH-X
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #1
Initially starting as the villain Beetle, Abe Jenkins later enhanced his battle suit into the Mobile Armored Cyber-Harness and became MACH-I. Over time, he significantly upgraded his suit to MACH-X.
12. Moonstone
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #1
Created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley, Moonstone, originally Dr. Karla Sofen, frequently shifts between villainy and temporary alliances with the Thunderbolts to evade imprisonment or indulge her psychiatric interests. She possesses formidable powers including enhanced strength, flight, and energy manipulation, thanks to a mysterious gem.
11. Venom
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #110
The Venom symbiote has featured in several Thunderbolts teams. After bonding with the symbiote, Mac Gargan entered a government criminal rehabilitation program and later joined Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers. Agent Venom, portrayed by Flash Thompson, later allied with General Ross’ Thunderbolts, gaining power from his rage inherited from Spider-Man.
10. Radioactive Man
First appearance: New Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #4
Once a foe of Iron Man and Thor, Dr. Chen Lu, also known as “Radioactive Man,” joined the Thunderbolts following his service with the Chinese government. He can manipulate radiation across all spectrums, creating force fields and enhancing his strength.
9. Luke Cage
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #143
Created by Jeff Parker and others, Luke Cage was appointed by Captain Steve Rogers to lead a restructured Thunderbolts squad after Norman Osborn’s program fell apart. His extraordinary strength, impervious skin, and leadership qualities made him an ideal choice for the group, which included original members and notorious villains.
8. Atlas
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #1
Erik Josten, previously known as Power Man and Goliath, took on the name Atlas after joining the Thunderbolts. His abilities stem from ionic energy experiments, allowing him to grow to enormous sizes and significantly enhance his strength.
7. Power Man
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 4) #1
Thanks to an energy-absorbing weapon used by his father, Víctor Álvarez emerged as the new Power Man, capable of amplifying his strength through chi absorption. Despite having differences with Luke Cage, he still joined Cage’s Thunderbolts team in New York.
6. America Chavez
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 4) #1
During the Devil’s Reign event, America Chavez joined the Thunderbolts after Luke Cage was elected Mayor of New York City. Her immense strength and ability to punch through dimensional barriers make her a crucial asset to the team.
5. The Rhino
First appearance: King in Black: Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #1
Aleksei Sytsevich joined Kingpin’s Thunderbolts at the King in Black event after undergoing an experimental enhancement. The Rhino is known for his strength, rivaling the Hulk’s, and served as one of Kingpin’s enforcers.
4. The Juggernaut
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #144
Under the creative vision of Jeff Parker and others, Cain Marko, empowered by the Cyttorak Gem, became the Juggernaut. He joined the Thunderbolts under Luke Cage’s guidance and, despite temporary losses of power, was ultimately resurrected as a more formidable force.
3. Red Hulk
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 2) #1
Created by Daniel Way and his creative team, General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross led a formidable lineup of Thunderbolts that included Agent Venom, Deadpool, Elektra, and the Punisher. His remarkable strength and military strategy established him as one of the Thunderbolts’ most potent leaders.
2. Genius-Old
First appearance: New Thunderbolts (Vol. 1) #6
The son of Kree hero Mar-Vell, Genis-Vell, inherited his father’s powers, further enhanced by Eternal genetics. Known as Photon during his time in the New Thunderbolts, his struggle with cosmic awareness led to temporary insanity and ultimately, his demise.
1. Kobik
First appearance: Thunderbolts (Vol. 3) #1
Kobik, born from the remnants of Cosmic Cubes, was a conscious entity who joined the Thunderbolts alongside Winter Soldier, presenting herself as a small girl. With near-omnipotent abilities, she played a critical role in the Secret Empire event, capable of altering reality and greatly amplifying her strength.
About Thunderbolts*
Thunderbolts* is an upcoming American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team Thunderbolts. Produced by Marvel Studios and set for distribution by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it will mark the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film boasts a diverse cast including David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Olga Kurylenko, and Florence Pugh. In this tale, a group of antiheroes takes on missions for the government.
Marvel Studios began teasing the formation of the Thunderbolts team within the MCU back in 2021. The film development became public in June 2022 when Schreier and Pearson were attached. The main cast was announced that September, with further additions made throughout early 2023. By March 2023, Lee was brought on to revise the film’s script, collaborating closely with Schreier, who worked with Lee on the Netflix series Beef (2023). Production faced delays due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, leading to some cast changes in early 2024, with Calo joining the project. Filming occurred from February to June 2024 at Trilith Studios and Atlanta Metro Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional shoots in Utah.
Thunderbolts* is projected for release in the United States on May 2, 2025, marking the conclusion of Phase Five of the MCU.
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