The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has long been celebrated for its ability to blend genres, develop compelling characters, and build an interconnected web of storytelling that spans multiple franchises.
As Phase 5 continues to unfold, one of the most highly anticipated upcoming projects is Thunderbolts, a film that promises to introduce a morally ambiguous team of antiheroes and villains to the Marvel universe.
Set to release in July 2025, Thunderbolts has been described as Marvel’s answer to DC’s Suicide Squad, bringing together some of the MCU’s most complex and morally gray characters under a single banner. With its unique lineup and intriguing premise, the film is shaping up to be a game-changer for Marvel’s cinematic storytelling.
In this article, we will show the origins of the Thunderbolts, analyze the confirmed lineup, examine its connections to the wider MCU, and speculate on what this film means for the franchise’s future.
Also Read: Steven Yeun Drops Out Of Marvel’s Thunderbolts After The Production was Delayed
The Origins of the Thunderbolts in Marvel Comics
The Thunderbolts first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 in 1997, created by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley. Initially, the team was introduced as a new group of superheroes who emerged in the wake of the Avengers’ disappearance.
However, in a shocking twist, it was revealed that the Thunderbolts were actually a group of villains masquerading as heroes, led by none other than Baron Zemo.
This deception was one of the most surprising twists in Marvel Comics history, making the Thunderbolts one of the most unique teams in the Marvel universe. Over the years, different versions of the team have appeared, with members including Norman Osborn, Deadpool, Punisher, Ghost, and the Winter Soldier.
Unlike traditional hero teams like the Avengers or the X-Men, the Thunderbolts have always straddled the line between heroism and villainy. Some members seek redemption, while others use the team as a means to further their own agendas.
The MCU’s Thunderbolts: Who’s in the Team?
Marvel Studios officially announced the Thunderbolts movie at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, revealing a stacked lineup of returning MCU characters. The confirmed roster includes:
1. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
Yelena, the adoptive sister of Natasha Romanoff, was first introduced in Black Widow (2021) and later played a major role in Hawkeye (2021). As a former Red Room assassin, she is highly skilled in combat and espionage. While she’s not a villain, she is morally flexible and willing to do what it takes to achieve her goals.
2. Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)
Once the brainwashed assassin of Hydra, Bucky has spent years trying to atone for his past. While he has fought alongside the Avengers, his presence in Thunderbolts suggests he may take on a leadership role, guiding these antiheroes toward redemption—or at least, keeping them from total destruction.
3. U.S. Agent / John Walker (Wyatt Russell)
Introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, John Walker was initially chosen to replace Captain America. However, his violent tendencies and arrogance led to him being stripped of the title. He later became U.S. Agent under the guidance of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. His inclusion in Thunderbolts suggests he will be the team’s “dark Captain America.”
4. Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko)
The MCU’s version of Taskmaster, first seen in Black Widow, was a controversial departure from the comic book counterpart. The character, Antonia Dreykov, was a mind-controlled assassin with the ability to mimic any fighting style. Her return to Thunderbolts could mean a deeper scheme of her character and possibly an arc toward reclaiming her own agency.
5. Red Guardian (David Harbour)
Russia’s answer to Captain America, Alexei Shostakov, was last seen in Black Widow, providing comic relief alongside Yelena and Natasha. While he’s more of a washed-up superhero than a true villain, his brute strength and combat experience will make him a valuable asset to the team.
6. Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
Introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp, Ava Starr (aka Ghost) is a former SHIELD experiment gone wrong. She possesses quantum phase-shifting abilities, allowing her to pass through objects. She was last seen trying to find a way to stabilize her condition. Her return to Thunderbolts could mean she’s still searching for a cure or has been recruited for her unique skill set.
7. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
While not an official team member, Valentina appears to be the Nick Fury-esque mastermind pulling the strings behind Thunderbolts. She has already been seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, recruiting John Walker and working behind the scenes.
Notably Missing: Baron Zemo
One of the biggest surprises in the Thunderbolts announcement was the absence of Baron Zemo (Daniel Brühl). As the original creator of the team in the comics, many fans expected him to play a leading role. Given his last appearance in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where he was captured by the Wakandans, he may still have a part to play—perhaps as a secret villain or a late addition.
What Will the Plot Be?
Marvel has kept the plot of Thunderbolts tightly under wraps, but based on the team’s composition and their past actions, some key possibilities emerge:
- A Government Task Force – The Thunderbolts could be a government-sanctioned team of enhanced individuals deployed on dangerous missions that the Avengers wouldn’t handle. Valentina’s involvement suggests a covert, black-ops style team.
- Redemption Arc for Some Members – Characters like Yelena, Bucky, and Taskmaster have unresolved story arcs that involve finding purpose beyond their past. Thunderbolts could show themes of redemption, morality, and second chances.
- A Bigger Threat? – While the Thunderbolts may start as a team executing covert missions, they could end up facing a much larger enemy. There’s speculation that they might take on a villain like Sentry, the Hood, or even a remnant of Hydra.
- Connection to the Multiverse? – With the MCU’s current focus on the Multiverse Saga, Thunderbolts could introduce characters or plot elements tied to upcoming films like Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
Why Thunderbolts is a Big Deal for the MCU
The MCU has largely focused on traditional superheroes up until now, but Thunderbolts represents a shift towards morally ambiguous characters and darker storytelling. This move aligns with recent Marvel projects like Moon Knight, Loki, and Werewolf by Night, which show antiheroes and supernatural themes.
Moreover, Thunderbolts could serve as a spiritual successor to the Avengers, providing a new kind of team dynamic. Instead of a group of noble heroes, we get misfits, ex-soldiers, and criminals struggling to work together.
Additionally, the film could set the stage for future Thunderbolts iterations, potentially including Deadpool, Bullseye, or even Norman Osborn in later phases.
Final Thoughts
Thunderbolts is poised to be one of the most intriguing and unique films in the MCU’s Phase 5. With a stacked cast of antiheroes, complex villains, and morally gray figures, it will show a side of the Marvel universe that hasn’t been fully tapped into yet.
With James Gunn’s Suicide Squad proving that audiences love a team of misfits, Marvel has the opportunity to carve out its own niche with Thunderbolts. Whether the team ends up as heroes, villains, or something in between, one thing is certain: they will shake up the MCU in ways we haven’t seen before.
Are you excited for Thunderbolts? Let us know your thoughts!
Also Read: Marvel’s Highly Anticipated ‘Thunderbolts’ Movie Set for Release in 2025 and Its Impact on the MCU
