The release date for the Thunderbolts film will see the MCU assembling a team of both villains and anti-heroes. Here is what we currently know about the highly anticipated movie.
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine will lead a team similar to DC’s Suicide Squad, as it consists of former supervillains looking to redeem themselves as part of the Thunderbolts.
Despite being one of the main events in Marvel’s Phase 6, this superhero movie has faced some delays and creative issues during production. Is everything still going according to plan?
We have compiled a dossier with all the need-to-know information on this release by delving into Marvel’s secret files (just kidding, Kevin, don’t come after us).
Thunderbolts release date
The film Thunderbolts is set to premiere in US theaters on May 2, 2025.
Originally intended to be the last film in Phase 5, Thunderbolts was supposed to precede Fantastic Four: First Steps, which would kick off Phase 6. However, due to changes in the plans, Thunderbolts will now come after Fantastic Four and before Blade.
During her attendance at the Dune 2 premiere in New York, Florence Pugh confirmed that filming had commenced in February 2024. Production was completed in mid-2025.
Cast list
The cast of the Thunderbolts is led by Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, with additional support from David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and others.
The cast of the Thunderbolts:
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova/Black Widow
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
- Olga Kurylenko and Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster
- Wyatt Russell as John Walker/US Agent
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier
- Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost
- David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian
- Lewis Pullman as Robert Reynolds/The Sentry
- Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff
- Geraldine Viswanathan
The essential group includes familiar MCU characters that we have previously encountered. Yelena Belova returns after her initial appearance in Black Widow and subsequent cameo in the Hawkeye series.
In addition, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier sees the return of John Walker after his intimidating introduction, Ghost makes a comeback from Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Taskmaster receives a new look following her first appearance in Black Widow on the big screen.
Although Steven Yeun was originally set to join the MCU as a new character in Thunderbolts, he ultimately did not end up appearing. The role of the Sentry, a character inspired by Superman, was meant to be played by the former Walking Dead star, but he left the project in January 2024. Lewis Pullman, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, was brought in as a replacement.
Story Summary
At the moment, the synopsis for Thunderbolts is brief yet intriguing, as it reveals that the team will undertake a government mission of some sort.
Valentina and the US Agent return in Thunderbolts.
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine recruits would-be Captain America John Walker in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and gives him a new identity as US Agent. This is the reason for Walker’s reappearance as US Agent in Thunderbolts.
Similarly, in 2021’s Black Widow, Valentina is depicted as Yelena Belova/Black Widow’s handler in a scene. According to an interview with Collider, Harbour essentially confirmed that Val will have a crucial role in assembling the Thunderbolts.
Harbour highlighted Thunderbolts’ storyline, which focuses on character development and the dynamic between himself and his on-screen daughter, Pugh. He mentioned that viewers can expect to see their relationship explored in a compelling way.
“Harbour continued to express his admiration for the characters played by Sebastian and Wyatt in the MCU, highlighting their mercenary nature. He also emphasized his appreciation for flawed characters and those who struggle to succeed.”
The script for The Bear was written by showrunner Joanna Calo, ensuring that the film will be a thrilling roller coaster ride with plenty of emotion, despite the presence of antagonists.
Is there a Thunderbolts trailer?
As of now, there is no trailer for Thunderbolts but it is expected to be released in early 2025.
Thunderbolts: A Breakdown and Explanation
Marvel’s Thunderbolts serve as a counterpart to DC’s Suicide Squad, with a group of nefarious characters and antiheroes banding together to fight for the greater good.
The Thunderbolts have evolved since 1997.
The original Thunderbolts team first appeared in a 1997 issue of The Incredible Hulk and later received their own series. This version of the group was actually the Masters of Evil, who were using superhero identities as part of Baron Zemo’s nefarious plans.
Despite the initial discovery that they enjoyed being heroes, the baddies eventually revolted against Zemo. Despite changes to the team’s lineup in the last two decades, the Thunderbolts continue to serve as a haven for reformed villains.
The initial members of the team were as follows:
- Baron Zemo
- Beetle
- Fixer
- Goliath
- Moonstone
- Screaming Mimi
Additional individuals who have taken on the role of leading the Thunderbolts include:
- Clint Barton/Hawkeye
- Norman Osborn/The Green Goblin
- Luke Cage
- Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier
- Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin
- Thunderbolt Ross
The Thunderbolts have been linked with the following villains in terms of their members:
- Taskmaster
- Venom
- Ghost
- Crossbones
- Juggernaut
- Doctor Octopus
- Abomination.
Many superheroes such as the Punisher, US Agent, Elektra, Nighthawk, Deadpool, Ghost Rider, and Ant-Man (Eric O’Grady) have connections to the team as well.
Thunderbolts Rumors and Speculation
According to leaked information, the Thunderbolts movie is essentially Marvel’s version of Suicide Squad.
According to DanielRPK, the plot allegedly involves Yelena, US Agent, Ghost, and Taskmaster being tasked by Val to assassinate someone in a secure location. However, they soon discover that they have been betrayed and were intended to be sacrificial pawns in this mission. As a result, they band together to overthrow their employer and seek revenge.
Seems credible. We don’t anticipate Val having many supporters in the end, regardless of what occurs.
How to watch
Thunderbolts will first be released in theaters before becoming available on Disney+ several months later.
Similarly, this adheres to the same trend as all future Marvel films. The timing of its availability on streaming platforms is determined by the strength of its box office performance and digital sales.
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