The MCU is about to get a brand-new team! The “Thunderbolts*” movie brings together an unconventional team of antiheroes in what promises to be an action-packed addition to the franchise. Marvel fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this film to see how their favorite reformed villains will work together to complete their mission.
As Marvel fans ourselves, the entire StreamSafely team is excited for “Thunderbolts*” to finally hit the silver screen. This unique team-up is sure to be packed with action and promises to explore the gray areas between heroism and villainy, offering a new take within the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether you’re a longtime Marvel fan or new to the genre, we are thrilled to bring you everything you need to know before the Thunderbolts movie hits theaters.
From Comic Pages to the Big Screen: The MCU Version
The Thunderbolts team first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1997, created by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley. The original concept was revolutionary at the time — a team of villains posing as heroes after the apparent deaths of the Avengers, eventually leading to genuine redemption for many members.
The team was partially inspired by DC Comics’ Suicide Squad, first published in 1959, but took the concept in a different direction by focusing on the possibility of villain redemption rather than forced cooperation. Throughout their comic history, the Thunderbolts have gone through many iterations and roster changes, making them one of Marvel’s most dynamic team concepts.
Now, the Thunderbolt lineup differs somewhat from many comic iterations, focusing on characters already established in the MCU rather than the original comic roster that included members like Baron Zemo, Goliath, and Fixer. The Thunderbolts members have been gradually introduced throughout Phase 4 of the MCU, with key appearances and reveals across the MCU films and Disney+ series.
(Re)Introducing the Thunderbolts* Team
Misfits, outcasts, and morally gray at best, the Thunderbolts are a different kind of super team. While you’ve met many of them in previous MCU stories, seeing them work together (or try to) is a whole new story. Here’s a closer look at the unpredictable lineup stepping into the spotlight, and the chaos they’re sure to bring with them:
- Yelena Belova / Black Widow (Florence Pugh) — Trained in the Red Room like her sister Natasha (played by Scarlett Johansson), Yelena is a highly skilled assassin with exceptional fighting abilities and espionage training. She has a more cynical worldview than Natasha but shares her sister’s strength and determination. Debut: “Black Widow” (2021)
- Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) — A WWII veteran and former HYDRA assassin, Bucky possesses enhanced strength, speed, and a vibranium arm. His long history with Captain America makes him one of the most morally complex characters in the MCU. Debut: “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011)
- John Walker / U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell) — The government’s chosen successor to Captain America, Walker has enhanced strength and combat skills but lacks Steve Rogers’ moral compass. His military background and short fuse make him an unpredictable force on the team. Debut: “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021)
- Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) — With photographic reflexes, Taskmaster can perfectly mimic any physical action she witnesses, making her a formidable fighter. Her traumatic past and mind control by her father created a character eager to break free and create her own identity. Debut: “Black Widow” (2021)
- Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian (David Harbour) — Russia’s super-soldier equivalent to Captain America, Alexei has super strength and durability along with decades of combat experience. His fatherly relationship with Yelena and jokester personality add both emotional depth and comic relief to the team. Debut: “Black Widow” (2021)
- Robert “Bob” Reynolds / Sentry (Lewis Pullman) — Possessing the power of “a million exploding suns,” Sentry is one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe with superhuman strength, speed, invulnerability, and flight. His greatest weakness is the dark entity within him known as the Void. Debut: “Thunderbolts*” (This will mark his first MCU appearance.)
- Ava Starr / Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) — Afflicted with molecular instability after a quantum accident, Ghost can phase through solid matter and become invisible, abilities she initially used as a criminal operative for S.H.I.E.L.D. Her constant pain and desperate search for a cure drive her actions and make her an unpredictable ally with trust issues. Debut: “Ant-Man and the Wasp” (2018)
- Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) — While not a field operative, Valentina is the team’s handler and has extensive connections throughout the intelligence community. Her motivations remain mysterious, and she’s been recruiting team members throughout recent MCU projects. Debut: “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021)
SPECULATED: Melissa Gold / Songbird (Geraldine Viswanathan) — Viswanathan’s cast announcement as “Mel” has many fans speculating that she will be Melissa Gold, aka Songbird, a former wrestler and criminal who can create solid objects from sound and emit destructive sonic blasts. Her journey from self-interested villain to genuine hero in the comics makes her one of the most compelling redemption stories among the original Thunderbolts. Debut: “Thunderbolts*” (This will mark her first MCU appearance.)
What to Expect When You See Thunderbolts*
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of what to expect when Thunderbolts* hits the big screen. These details will give you a better idea of how this darker, edgier Marvel entry will stack up alongside its cinematic siblings.
Movie Plot
When the world’s greatest heroes are unavailable, a mysterious government operative assembles a team of damaged individuals with extraordinary abilities who are seeking redemption for their troubled pasts.
Forced to work together against a threat that could change the balance of power in the MCU forever, these unlikely allies must navigate their conflicting personalities and questionable methods. For the Thunderbolts, the line between hero and villain isn’t just blurred; it’s irrelevant.
Genre
As with many MCU entries, “Thunderbolts*” is tagged on IMDb as Superhero, Action, Adventure, and Sci-Fi with the perfect amount of Comedy splashed in.
Runtime
“Thunderbolts*” has a reported runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, making it one of the longest movies in the MCU.
Rating
Although the film has not been officially rated, “Thunderbolts*” is expected to receive a PG-13 rating. With a darker look than much of the MCU and cast of antiheroes, some sequences and language may not be suitable for children under the age of 13.
What’s up With the Asterisk?
The asterisk in the title “Thunderbolts*” was added in March 2024, creating speculation about potential storyline connections to the multiverse or a twist in the team’s identity. Some reports suggest the asterisk might indicate this isn’t the traditional Thunderbolts team from the comics, but perhaps a government designation for the group or a hint at a surprise revelation within the film itself.
A simple explanation could come from the teaser trailer itself, where some of the characters can be seen bickering about and expressing their dislike for the name, treating Thunderbolts as more of a working title than the official name of their team. However, a new poster seemed to reveal the true meaning “*The Avengers Not Available.”
The Cast and Creative Minds of Thunderbolts*
The “Thunderbolts*” movie was officially announced by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige at San Diego Comic-Con in 2022, with additional cast details revealed at D23 Expo the same year. Production faced some delays due to the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, pushing the release date back from its original timeline.
Lead Cast Highlights
Florence Pugh leads the cast as Yelena Belova. Her other notable roles include Princess Irulan in “Dune: Part 2” (2004), Jean Tatlock in “Oppenheimer” (2023), and Alice in “Don’t Worry Darling” (2022) opposite Harry Styles.
Her on-screen father figure, Alexei Shostakov, is played by David Harbour, who appeared in DC’s antihero film “Suicide Squad” (2016) as Dexter Tolliver, but is more known for his portrayal of Jim Hopper in Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” He also played the titular character in 2019’s “Hellboy.”
Also joining is Marvel alumnus Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barns, aka the Winter Soldier. Outside of Marvel movies, Stan portrayed Donald Trump in 2024’s “The Apprentice,” Jeff Gollily opposite Margot Robbie in “I, Tonya” (2017), and crewmember Chris Beck in “The Martian” (2015). He even had a cameo as God the bounty hunter in “Ghosted” (2023) alongside Chris Evans, who played Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, in the MCU.
Full Cast List
See below for the entire list of this incredible ensemble:
- Florence Pugh: Yelena Belova
- David Harbour: Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian
- Sebastian Stan: Bucky Barnes
- Lewis Pullman: Robert “Bob” Reynolds / Sentry
- Olga Kurylenko: Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster
- Geraldine Viswanathan: Mel
- Wyatt Russell: John Walker / U.S. Agent
- Hannah John-Kamen: Ava Starr / Ghost
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
- Joshua Mikel: Bob’s Dad
- Chris Bauer: Undisclosed
- Wendell Pierce: Undisclosed
Meet the Director: Jake Schreier
Jake Schreier comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a background in character-driven storytelling, having directed films like “Robot & Frank” (2012) and “Paper Towns” (2015). More recently, he had a six-episode stint directing the Netflix dark comedy series “Beef” starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong. He’s also worked directing music videos for stars like Justin Bieber and Kanye West.
Although “Thunderbolts*” marks Schreier’s first major superhero project, his character-focused approach makes him an interesting choice for a film centered on complex antiheroes rather than traditional superheroes.
Writers and Producers
Behind every great Marvel movie is a powerhouse team of storytellers, and Thunderbolts is no exception. The visionaries behind the scenes include:
- Writers: Kurt Busiek (co-creator of the original Marvel Thunderbolts Comics), Joanna Calo, Lee Sung Jin, Eric Pearson
- Executive Producers: Brian Chapek, Louis D’Esposito, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Tamez
- Composer: Son Lux
- Production Companies: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Mark Your Calendars
Get ready to assemble your own squad because Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts is headed to the big screen! Whether you’re counting down to opening night or plotting your next Marvel movie streaming watch-party, here’s what you need to know about its release.
Theatrical Release Date
Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*” will arrive exclusively in theaters in the U.S. on May 2, 2025.
Thunderbolts* Official Teaser Trailer
Join this misfit cast of antiheroes as they band together to save the day. Watch Marvel’s new trailer, which is already turning heads.
How To Stream Thunderbolts*
The film will be released exclusively in theaters. After its theatrical run, it is expected to join the rest of the MCU on Disney+. Disney+ content can be bundled with other platforms like Hulu. Our team has already identified many misleading and dangerous piracy sites that may try to trick you into interacting with them. Remember, downloading from one of these sites can lead to malware infections, identity theft, and other risks.
If you’re unsure whether a streaming platform is legitimate or not, you can always rely on StreamSafely. We’re here to help you learn how to recognize illegal websites and guide you toward legitimate platforms — and even 100% free services — to watch all your favorite films.
Don’t Let Digital Villains Steal the Show – Stream Safely
We get it — the anticipation for “Thunderbolts*” is real. But while the Internet may tempt you with “early access” offers, it’s important to know these sites are rarely legitimate and are likely not authorized. That’s why StreamSafely is committed to helping viewers find legitimate streaming services while avoiding the dangers of piracy sites that can compromise your data and digital security.
StreamSafely’s movie database provides up-to-date information on which legitimate platforms to use to find your favorite content safely. We encourage our users to think of StreamSafely as your trusted partner for all things streaming so that you can experience the fun, comedic villainy of “Thunderbolts*” without exposing yourself to the real villainy of digital pirates. See you in the theaters May 2!
