The Marvel Universe Welcomes Thunderbolts
Alongside the Avengers, Marvel Studios is actively developing numerous other teams within its cinematic universe (MCU). Notable mentions include the Young Avengers (featuring members like Kamala Khan and Kate Bishop), Midnight Sons (Doctor Strange, Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night), and Defenders (Daredevil, Jessica Jones). Of course, we cannot forget the Thunderbolts – Marvel’s answer to the “Suicide Squad.”
Recently, the first trailer for Thunderbolt* was officially released, revealing the full lineup of Marvel’s most famous anti-hero team. The trailer features familiar faces such as Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier), Ava Starr (Ghost), John Walker (U.S. Agent), Yelena Belova (Black Widow), Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian), and Antonia Dreykov (Taskmaster). This film will also mark the conclusion of Phase 5 of the MCU.
Official first trailer of Thunderbolt*, the final blockbuster of Phase 5 MCU – Video: Marvel Studios.
According to the trailer above, the members of Thunderbolt are assembled by Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. She is the one who recruited U.S. Agent at the end of the series The Falcon & the Winter Soldier and orchestrated Yelena’s pursuit of Clint Barton in the series Hawkeye. From Valentina’s perspective, Thunderbolt is a gathering of villains, anti-heroes, and individuals with a history of criminal activities, making them suitable for suicidal missions.
Additionally, it seems there is a mysterious force plotting to eliminate Thunderbolt members by pitting them against each other. This also marks the moment when the team encounters Bob, a character speculated by fans to be Sentry, Marvel’s “Superman.” However, it remains unconfirmed whether Sentry is the main antagonist of this blockbuster.
All lead roles in Thunderbolt* will be played by familiar faces who have participated in previous Marvel Studios projects. This includes Sebastian Stan (as Bucky Barnes), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), Olga Kurylenko (Antonia Dreykov), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Valentina). The mysterious character Bob will be portrayed by Lewis Pullman.
Thunderbolt* is scheduled to be released in May 2025.
Source: ScreenRant