Marvel has been making major moves lately, dropping a series of bombshell announcements that have fans buzzing about the future of the MCU. But before the highly anticipated "The Fantastic Four" and "Avengers 5," Marvel is unleashing the comedic force of "Thunderbolts*." Clues have long pointed to this film holding a pivotal position in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before the next Avengers installment, and recent press screenings have generated stellar reviews. In fact, many critics are boldly predicting its Rotten Tomatoes score will soar past 90%! This team of quasi-heroes and outright anti-heroes, each with their own dark past, comes together with a mix of laugh-out-loud humor and tear-jerking emotion. Helmed by the director of "Beef," just how many highlights can we expect? Let's dive into a sneak peek!
Image: Marvel Studios
Point 1: A Team with a Purpose! Is "Thunderbolts*" the Key to the MCU's Next Chapter?
Marvel has dropped several bombshells about the MCU's future, from the X-Men's return teased in "The Marvels" to the stunning SDCC announcement that Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU as the villainous Doctor Doom. More recently, the studio surprised everyone by revealing a 27-actor cast list for "Avengers 5" during a livestream. But before that epic assembly, "Thunderbolts*" is hitting the big screen. The team—which includes Yelena Belova (the new Black Widow), Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier), Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, and Ghost—is confirmed to appear in "Avengers: Doomsday." The team's roster seems strategically chosen, as key characters from their related projects like "Ant-Man," "Black Panther," "Captain America," and "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" are also confirmed for "Avengers 5." This makes it clear that "Thunderbolts*" is a crucial stepping stone, laying essential groundwork for what's to come.
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Furthermore, the plot will finally unveil the long-brewing master plan of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Officials have guaranteed that her role will be far more than the brief recruitment cameos seen in "Black Widow," "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," and "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier." This film marks the beginning of her direct intervention in politics and superhero affairs, making her actions a vital piece of the puzzle for Marvel's next phase. On top of that, the studio has remained tight-lipped about why the film's title includes an asterisk (*). Is this a plot point? Does it connect to the Avengers? The mystery leaves plenty of room for speculation.
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Point 2: A Team of Misfits Pushing Each Other's Buttons! Different Pasts, One Future.
The "Thunderbolts*" trailer immediately gives off a chaotic vibe. This hastily assembled team constantly trades barbs, and their lack of chemistry leads to messy combat situations, like attacking the wrong target and creating friendly fire incidents. This dynamic adds a layer of comedy while also creating a palpable tension that their missions could implode at any moment.
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However, the member most likely to push everyone's buttons is the new character, Sentry. Sporting a golden "S" on his belt, he is the world's most powerful superhero, possessing the energy of a million exploding suns, along with super strength, speed, flight, immortality, and energy projection. But with the power to save everything comes the power to destroy it. If he is controlled by his evil alter ego—The Void—he instantly becomes the greatest threat the Earth and his teammates have ever faced. The trailer hints at his ability to engulf people in shadows, suggesting he might be the one to trigger every team member's deepest traumas.
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In the trailer, as Sentry seemingly loses control, Yelena Belova is forced into a nightmare, reliving her deepest trauma. Will she be forced to confront the psychological scars of the Red Room or the pain of losing her sister-figure, Natasha Romanoff? And what about Red Guardian's inner demons? Is it his frustration at never being seen as a true hero, or the pain of a fractured family, even if it was a fabricated one? The emotional connection and sincere interactions between Yelena and Red Guardian are poised to be one of the film's major emotional touchstones.
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Meanwhile, will the old rivalry reignite between U.S. Agent, once deemed an unworthy and failed hero by the public, and The Winter Soldier, a former brainwashed assassin? And the enigmatic Taskmaster, who has received very little screen time in the trailers, remains a major question mark. Is the character's role simply minor, or is there a bigger twist at play?
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In "Thunderbolts*," the members will confront the darkest corners of their pasts to forge a shared future and become a new kind of team. A scene in the trailer showing Red Guardian being forcibly evacuated while screaming his lungs out has led to speculation: could a member of the team not make it out alive?
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Point 3: No Heroic Halos, Just Human Darkness! Is "Thunderbolts*" a True Action-Comedy?
Described as a Marvel "assassin film" with an A24-style sensibility, "Thunderbolts*" brings together a group of individuals steeped in darkness and defined by a history of violence, betrayal, and crime. These shadowed characters lend the film a gritty tone, devoid of heroic light and full of human flaws. Director Jake Schreier has stated that the film was partly inspired by "Toy Story 3," with the Thunderbolts members being like discarded toys on the verge of being broken by Valentina. The story of how they overcome their personal baggage offers a raw and profound depiction of humanity that will resonate with audiences, prompting fans to consider how light and darkness can coexist within a single person. Schreier also confirmed that the film incorporates the tone of his series "Beef," promising to present one of the most somber and humanized corners of the MCU—a true departure from the studio's previous work.
Image: Marvel Studios
But while the film is packed with relatable emotional baggage, it is still very much an action-comedy. Alongside thrilling action sequences and stunning visuals, the dialogue is filled with the sharp humor and sarcasm expected from a Marvel movie, delivering laughs that might just catch in your throat. The entertaining interactions between the team members, combined with Marvel's signature charm, help balance the story's tension, allowing audiences to connect with the characters as they navigate their own internal conflicts. It has many fans feeling that "the real Marvel is finally back!"
Image: Marvel Studios
As these villains transform into heroes, and characters like Sentry embody both good and evil, the film suggests we are entering a new era of the MCU—one without absolute heroes or villains. And of course, being a Marvel movie, you have to wonder what the post-credits scene has in store. Will another major surprise be dropped on us?
▼ Marvel's "Thunderbolts*" Hits Theaters in 2025!
With a gripping plot that delves into darkness while delivering action and humor, "Thunderbolts*" is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat and is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Marvel movies of the year. To see just how chaotic this team can be, be sure to catch it on the big screen! "Thunderbolts*" is set to hit theaters in 2025.
>> Get ready for the most dysfunctional team-up yet!
