Marvel’s eagerly anticipated new action movies to watch, Thunderbolts*, is set to premiere in 2025, marking the MCU’s first villain ensemble film. The idea of a Thunderbolts* movie has been floating around among Marvel enthusiasts for quite some time, fueled by longstanding rumors and heightened speculations during the MCU’s Phase 4. Clues pointing towards this development emerged particularly through Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s clandestine recruitment efforts, which were depicted in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Black Widow.
The project gained official confirmation at the 2022 D23 Expo, where it was revealed that Sebastian Stan would reprise his role as Bucky Barnes. Adding to the excitement, it was also announced that General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross would be a part of the lineup, intriguingly recast with Harrison Ford, renowned for his roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo. Ford’s portrayal of Ross will first be seen in Captain America: New World Order before he joins the Thunderbolts*.
The rest of the Thunderbolts* team is composed of characters already familiar to MCU fans, having been introduced in various films and series within the franchise. This setup hints at the possibility of additional characters from past Marvel shows and movies joining the lineup. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the Thunderbolts* release date to the ensemble’s MCU roster and their origins in the comic books, making Thunderbolts* a must-see addition to Marvel’s slate of action-packed cinematic offerings.
Thunderbolts* Release Date (2025)
The Thunderbolts* movie, directed by Jake Schreier and written by Black Widow’s Eric Pearson, was confirmed to start production in June 2023. Thunderbolts* Release Date is May 2, 2025. This places the movie strategically between the release of Captain America: Brave New World in February 2025 and The Fantastic Four in July 2025.
The Release Date of Thunderbolts* Movie Shuffled: Latest Update for Marvel’s Villain Ensemble Film Now Set for 2025. Despite these changes, Thunderbolts* is poised to conclude the MCU’s Phase 5, setting the stage for the transformative events anticipated in Phase 6 with major releases like Avengers: Doomsday and The Fantastic Four. This positioning underscores the film’s significance within the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe narrative.
Who Is Leading The Thunderbolts* Team In The Upcoming Marvel Movie?
The cast for the upcoming Thunderbolts* movie was unveiled during the 2022 D23 Expo, featuring a lineup of well-known actors that significantly raised expectations for the film. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is set to play Contessa Val, who will be leading the Thunderbolts* team. Other members include Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava/Ghost, and Sebastian Stan reprising his role as Bucky Barnes.
In 2023, Ayo Edebiri and Steven Yeun were initially announced as new additions to the cast. However, by February 2024, changes were made: Ayo Edebiri departed from the project and was replaced by Geraldine Viswanathan in an undisclosed role—a switch confirmed by Viswanathan’s appearance in the teaser trailer. Additionally, Steven Yeun, originally reported to be portraying Sentry, was replaced by Lewis Pullman.
At the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, further details emerged confirming Lewis Pullman’s role as “Bob,” which is likely a nickname for Robert Reynolds, better known as Sentry. This casting choice suggests a strategic understatement of Sentry’s potentially destructive powers, aligning with the MCU’s approach to unveiling major character arcs.
There is also ongoing speculation regarding Tim Roth’s Abomination, hinting at a possible addition to the Thunderbolts* following his character’s escape in She-Hulk: Attorney At Law.
Here is the detailed cast list:
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Florence Pugh
David Harbour
Olga Kurylenko
Wyatt Russell
Hannah John-Kamen
Sebastian Stan
Lewis Pullman
What Is The Plot Of The Thunderbolts* Movie?
Detailed plot information for Thunderbolts* remains under wraps, except for what has been hinted at through the teaser trailer. Given the diverse backgrounds of its characters within the MCU, the film is poised to explore various story arcs. With the main characters already well-established, Thunderbolts* will likely skip origin stories, focusing instead on a more dynamic narrative approach.
The footage from the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con and the teaser trailer suggests that Valentina Allegra de la Fontaine will play a central role in assembling the team. The teaser hints at personal story arcs for several characters: Yelena is shown potentially reconnecting with Alexei for the first time post-Black Widow, Bucky appears in a congressional setting, and the U.S. Agent is depicted in a domestic scene with a child.
One intriguing element from the previews is a battle among the heroes before they unite as a team. This conflict underscores the initial discord within the group, reflecting the diverse and sometimes opposing viewpoints of its members, such as Yelena and U.S. Agent. The film may explore how these characters, originally at odds, gradually align their goals, akin to the formation narrative seen in The Avengers.
If Lewis Pullman’s character is indeed Sentry, his formidable powers could potentially overwhelm most adversaries unless internal group conflicts or limitations on his abilities are introduced. Such dynamics could add depth to the storyline, highlighting the challenges of harnessing such power within a team framework.
While the primary antagonist or conflict for the Thunderbolts* remains undisclosed, there’s potential for the movie’s plot to be seeded or expanded upon in future Disney+ series, although no official plans have been announced. Andy Park, Marvel Studios’ Director of Visual Department, has indicated that the film will have strong connections to Black Widow, likely continuing thematic elements from that film and perhaps paying tribute to one of the MCU’s original anti-heroes, Natasha Romanoff. This link could bring forward unresolved narratives from Black Widow, integrating them into the larger story of Thunderbolts*, and setting the stage for a complex, character-driven narrative that explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and conflict within the MCU.
Why Are The Thunderbolts* Marvel’s Most Unpredictable Team?
In the comic book world, the Thunderbolts* originated as a team of reformed supervillains, initially assembled by Baron Zemo following the presumed deaths of the Avengers. Zemo’s goal was to fill the void left by the Avengers and earn the public’s trust as part of a larger scheme for world domination. Unbeknownst to the public, the team, dubbed the Thunderbolts*, was actually composed of Zemo’s Masters of Evil in disguise. However, the plot took an unexpected turn when the team members began to relish their roles as heroes and ultimately rebelled against Zemo, rejecting his leadership.
Over the years, the composition and leadership of the Thunderbolts* have seen many changes in Marvel Comics. The name has been associated with various lineups and leaders, including MCU character General “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, who leads the team as the Red Hulk in one iteration. Despite these changes, a common thread among the Thunderbolts* is their moral ambiguity, which sets them apart from the more virtuous Avengers.
Online discussions often draw parallels between the Thunderbolts* and other teams of villainous characters, like the Suicide Squad from DC Comics. However, Marvel’s Thunderbolts* distinguish themselves in several key aspects. While both teams include villains, Marvel’s group does not employ the drastic measures like explosive control devices used in the Suicide Squad, nor does it share the R-rated content. This distinction underscores that Marvel’s Thunderbolts* is more than just a sanitized version of the Suicide Squad. It’s a unique entity within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a fresh take on the antihero team concept.
What Role Will Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk Play in Thunderbolts*?
Harrison Ford has stepped into the role of “Thunderbolt*” Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking over from the late William Hurt. This casting sets the stage for Ross to potentially transform into the Red Hulk, especially following his appearance in Captain America: Brave New World. In the comics, Ross becomes the Red Hulk after his relentless pursuit of the Hulk leads him to collaborate with notorious villains, including during the World War Hulk storyline. His partners in this endeavor, known as the Intelligencia, include MODOK, the Leader, and Doc Samson, who together devise a method to drain energy from the Hulk and use it to turn Ross into the Red Hulk.
This transformation was portrayed with a comedic and tragic twist in the She-Hulk series, highlighting the complexities of Ross’s character and his dubious alliances. Following the events of the Phoenix War, Ross heads a version of the Thunderbolts* that features an eclectic and formidable group comprising Venom, Punisher, Elektra, Ghost Rider, Mercy, the Leader, and Deadpool—the latter set to appear in Deadpool 3, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds.
Given these developments, Ross’s transition into the Red Hulk in the MCU appears imminent, with his role in Thunderbolts* potentially showcasing this powerful new persona. This evolution would align well with his comic book arc, offering a rich narrative thread to explore in the upcoming film.
What Secret Is Marvel Hiding With The Thunderbolts* Asterisk?
The unusual asterisk in the new Thunderbolts* title, spotted on set, has been confirmed as intentional, though its significance remains undisclosed until the film’s release. Kevin Feige has stated that while the asterisk is deliberate, Marvel will not reveal its meaning prior to the movie’s premiere. This statement has quelled speculations that the asterisk indicated a temporary title, which would be replaced before the movie’s debut.
The prevailing theory about the asterisk is that it refers to a specific event within the movie. Some speculate that it might relate to the team being frequently mistaken for the Avengers by the public, leading to constant corrections that they are, in fact, the Thunderbolts* , not the Avengers. Another theory suggests that the asterisk could symbolize footnotes or hidden stipulations related to the team’s marketing. The idea that membership in the Thunderbolts* involves significant risks and conditions could play a crucial role in the film’s narrative. However, any concrete details regarding the asterisk’s meaning will only be revealed when Thunderbolts* is released in theaters in 2025.
Who Is Behind The Making Of Thunderbolts*?
Jake Schreier will direct Thunderbolts*, marking his first feature film in nearly nine years. Schreier gained attention with his 2012 critically acclaimed Robot & Frank and followed up with the successful adaptation of Paper Towns in 2015. Since then, he has mainly focused on directing music videos, specials like Chance the Rapper’s Magnificent Coloring World, and a few television episodes.
The script for Thunderbolts* is written by Lee Sung Jin (Beef) and Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok, Black Widow), with Kevin Feige producing. Lee Sung Jin, who collaborated with Schreier on Beef, expressed excitement about reuniting with him for Thunderbolts*: “Jake asked me to come on board. I probably should have taken a break, but there are themes and exciting elements about the movie I couldn’t resist.”
In discussing his approach, Schreier hinted at Thunderbolts* having a unique character-driven perspective. “It’s about specific characters and their experiences, not the typical superhero narrative. Beef works because of its specificity, which makes it universal. Similarly, we’re aiming for a clear perspective in Thunderbolts* that feels personal yet universally relatable.”
Schreier explained the appeal of directing Thunderbolts*, saying, “It’s a fresh story within the MCU, not a sequel. Though the characters are familiar, this is a new narrative with a unique viewpoint, offering a different kind of challenge. That’s what makes it an exciting project for us.”
Is Thunderbolts* Going To Be Released in Theaters?
Yes, Thunderbolts*, like all Marvel Studios films, will have an exclusive theatrical release, including screenings in IMAX. The movie will help launch a blockbuster-packed summer in 2025, joining an impressive lineup that includes Mission: Impossible 8, Superman, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, among other major titles.
Thunderbolts* Trailer 2025
The Thunderbolts* teaser trailer, released on September 23, 2024, confirmed its May 2025 premiere. Set to the Pixies’ “Where is My Mind?” it introduces Lewis Pullman as Bob (Sentry), showcasing his bulletproof abilities and establishing him as the team’s powerhouse. The trailer hints at intriguing plot points, such as Valentina attending an event with Loki’s scepter on display, suggesting possible connections to the wider MCU. Key characters like Yelena, Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, and Bucky take center stage, promising further development and linking the film to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Black Widow.
