Marvel faced significant challenges in 2023, as numerous properties fell short of expectations and the studio dealt with the fallout of losing its prominent villain due to Jonathan Majors’ dismissal. However, comic enthusiasts are looking ahead with anticipation to Marvel’s upcoming slate, hoping that these new projects will help the franchise reclaim its former glory. One of the most awaited films is Thunderbolts (or Thunderbolts*, as it’s officially styled), a project that fans have longed for since the inception of the MCU. Recent updates have ignited excitement around this property, making it an ideal moment to delve into the details of its production and what we can expect from this cinematic adventure.

Discover the Intriguing Origins of the Thunderbolts Team

The Thunderbolts made their debut in Marvel Comics back in 1997, first appearing in an issue of The Incredible Hulk. Initially, they presented themselves as a new group of superheroes that quickly captured the public’s attention. However, readers soon learned that this team was actually comprised of supervillains led by the cunning Baron Zemo. Their ruse involved masquerading as heroes to gain the trust of established hero teams and S.H.I.E.L.D., allowing them access to sensitive information that they could sell to the highest bidder. Over time, some members began to genuinely desire heroism, leading to internal conflicts and ultimately the disbandment of the group. The name “Thunderbolts” was inspired by a line from a poem by Thomas Randolph, which reflects their complex relationship with justice and heroism.

Throughout the years, various iterations of the Thunderbolts have emerged, but the version that appears to be shaping the MCU narrative is that of a government-funded strike team. This team is composed of reformed supervillains seeking redemption or a reduced prison sentence for their past misdeeds. This concept is reminiscent of DC’s Suicide Squad. Notable leaders of this team have included characters such as Norman Osborn, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, and they have encountered powerful figures like Captain Marvel in their exploits.

Meet the Key Members of the MCU Thunderbolts Team

In the MCU adaptation of the Thunderbolts, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, has been actively recruiting team members across various projects. She made her first appearance in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where she approached the disgraced Captain America replacement, John Walker, with an enticing offer to join her team. Following this, she was featured in a post-credits scene in Black Widow, where she directed Yelena Belova to track down Hawkeye, whom she blamed for her sister’s demise. Most recently, in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Valentina was revealed to be the new head of the CIA, positioning her perfectly to lead the Thunderbolts in future missions.

In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Louis-Dreyfus expressed her enthusiasm for exploring her character’s depth in the upcoming film, saying, “This movie really allows me to delve into Val’s character. Viewers will get to understand her motivations and a significant part of her backstory. She is committed to her mission, and the narrative contains unexpected twists and turns that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, filled with suspense that adds to the excitement.” She further elaborated that her character perceives herself as a puppet master, always “four steps ahead or at least she believes she is until the plan unravels. Each character has worked under her in various capacities, and she sees herself as the leader of this group. However, her intentions are complex and not entirely altruistic, blurring the line between heroism and villainy. The concept of an ‘anti-villain’ is certainly something to ponder.”

So, who exactly will be on this intriguing team? As previously mentioned, John Walker (Wyatt Russell) and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) are confirmed recruits. Additionally, familiar faces like Red Guardian (David Harbour) and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) from Black Widow are set to join Yelena, likely leading to some unresolved tensions stemming from her complicated relationship with her faux father. Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), known for her phasing abilities from Ant-Man and the Wasp, will also add her unique skills to the mix. In a potential leadership role, we might see Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), aka The Winter Soldier, returning from his appearances in several Marvel titles. The dynamics among the team promise to be fascinating, especially as they are rumored to unite against the formidable character known as The Sentry.

Unraveling the Mystery: Who Is The Sentry?

In the year 2000, Marvel’s then-publisher Joe Quesada announced the rediscovery of a long-forgotten character that predated even Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four. Stan Lee recalled the character’s creation but noted that it never came to fruition. Marvel reintroduced him into their continuity, marketing him as their answer to Superman, showcasing powers such as flight, super strength, and a prominent “S” emblem on his belt. However, as fans delved deeper into his story, they were met with a shocking revelation—his entire heroic persona was built on deception. The narrative unfolded to reveal that this character had mysteriously vanished from Marvel’s collective memory, a clever marketing strategy to reintroduce him to a new audience.

While he initially seemed to embody the quintessential hero archetype akin to Superman, the underlying truth was far more complex. The Sentry grappled with profound mental instability, ultimately posing a threat to the very fabric of the Marvel Universe. Despite initial skepticism about his longevity, the character has since become a staple in numerous Avengers storylines, evolving into a compelling figure within Marvel’s extensive comic book universe.

In the upcoming Thunderbolts film, Steven Yeun was initially cast as The Sentry and expressed immense excitement about portraying this character, having been a fan of the MCU since its inception. However, due to production delays caused by strikes in the summer of 2023, Yeun had to step back from the role, expressing hopes to return as another character in the future. The role has since been recast, with Lewis Pullman being touted for the part.

Additionally, Ayo Edebiri, known for her breakout role in The Bear, also had to withdraw from her part due to scheduling conflicts. Geraldine Viswanathan, recognized for her work in Drive Away Dolls, will now take on the role that is speculated to be Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s trusted “right-hand woman.”

Exciting Rumored Plot Details of Thunderbolts

According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, the plot synopsis for Thunderbolts is as follows: “Yelena, US Agent, Ghost, and Taskmaster are sent on a mission by Val to eliminate a target in a vault. However, they soon discover they are being set up, and their assignment was designed to be deadly. Consequently, they must join forces to confront Val and take her down.” This intriguing premise aligns with the hints provided in the recent teaser trailer.

As for Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by the late William Hurt, it appears he may not have a direct connection to this team—despite the matching names. Harrison Ford is stepping into the role of Ross in Captain America: Brave New World, but his involvement in Thunderbolts remains uncertain. Nevertheless, in the comics, Thunderbolt Ross (in his Red Hulk form) has led a version of the Thunderbolts, suggesting that he might play a significant role in future storylines, depending on the developments in the Captain America movie.

Regardless of the plot details, David Harbour has revealed that the film will significantly impact the broader MCU landscape. He told ComicBook.com, “There is a bombshell moment we introduce that will be exciting as we wrap up this particular phase. Our characters will engage with elements that we don’t fully comprehend, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the MCU’s future.”

Get Ready for the Thunderbolts Teaser Trailer

A teaser trailer for Thunderbolts was unveiled at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, providing an exciting glimpse into the film’s narrative. The trailer begins with Yelena seeking out Red Guardian, who is in disarray and mistakenly believes she works for DoorDash. She recruits him, and it becomes evident that the entire team lacks direction. While Yelena retains her lethal edge, tensions arise when she clashes with the U.S. Agent and the others. However, they ultimately unite to uncover the identity of those attempting to kill them. The trailer, set to the haunting tune of The Pixies’ “Where is My Mind,” electrified the Comic-Con audience, highlighting the tagline, “They are bad guys and worse guys.” It suggests that Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Valentina Allegra de Fontaine may be positioned as the film’s primary antagonist.

One thrilling moment in the trailer features Yelena performing a daring jump from a towering building, which happens to be the second tallest building in the world, showcasing Florence Pugh’s commitment to her role by performing the stunt herself.

The teaser trailer is now available online, along with an eye-catching poster:

Watch the Extended Thunderbolts Trailer

An extended version of the trailer was showcased at the inaugural D23 event in Brazil, captivating fans with additional scenes and insights:

Mark Your Calendars: Release Date for Thunderbolts

Fans will have to be patient before witnessing the Thunderbolts in action, as filming is ongoing (in IMAX format) throughout 2024. In late June, David Harbour, who is also working on the final season of Stranger Things, took to social media to confirm that his filming for Thunderbolts has concluded:

The official release date has been announced for May 2, 2025, and it will be preceded by Captain America: Brave New World, which is set to premiere on Valentine’s Day.

Are you eagerly anticipating the release of Thunderbolts? What are your thoughts on the evolving direction of the MCU? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below.