The Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to introduce its most unpredictable team yet with ‘Thunderbolts*’, bringing together a group of anti-heroes for a high-stakes mission.
Directed by Jake Schreier and starring Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, and other familiar faces from past MCU films, the movie promises action, chaos, and a deep dive into characters who have often walked the fine line between heroism and villainy.
Who’s Really in Charge Of The ‘Thunderbolts*’?
Unlike the Avengers, who had clear figureheads like Captain America and Iron Man, ‘Thunderbolts*’ seems to take a different approach to leadership. Director Jake Schreier acknowledged this during Disney’s D23 event “We definitely talked about it, but I think the team has different leaders at different times,” he stated
Related: Sebastian Stan Reveals Why Bucky Barnes Joins The Thunderbolts, Says “It Feels Inherently Familiar”
That statement makes sense given the team’s composition. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) has natural leadership instincts, having taken up the mantle of Black Widow. Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), despite his tortured past, is one of the most experienced fighters.
Meanwhile, Red Guardian (David Harbour) has the boldness, and US Agent (Wyatt Russell) has the military training to command. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is also pulling the strings from behind the scenes. This dynamic suggests that the team won’t just be a mission-driven action movie but also a character-driven story.
‘Thunderbolts*’ Becomes Marvel’s 10th Longest Film
With a reported runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, ‘Thunderbolts*’ will be one of Marvel’s longest films. With just a minute under ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron‘s runtime, the film is Marvel’s 10th longest film. As anticipation builds, fans got their best look yet at the film during the Super Bowl, where Marvel unveiled a new trailer that has left audiences intrigued.
In case you missed it: ‘Thunderbolts*’ Trailer Might’ve Spoiled ‘Captain America: Brave New World’
Moreover, if there were any doubts about the film, the Super Bowl trailer put them to rest. From start to finish, the teaser delivered everything fans could hope for. It introduced the team in full force, showcasing each member’s unique skills while hinting at the larger threats they’ll face.
One of the most jaw-dropping moments came with the reveal of the film’s antagonist, Sentry. In the footage, Sentry is seen using his terrifying void powers, seemingly turning people into ash or shadows. His presence alone raises the stakes to a whole new level.
Additionally, the team dynamic also shines through. Perhaps the most surprising reveal? Valentina has acquired the old Avengers Tower, which has been a mystery in the MCU for years. So, what does she plan to do with it? The reaction to the trailer has been overwhelmingly positive. With a release date set for May 2, 2025, the countdown has begun.
