Key Takeaways:
– Thunderbolts, a team of reformed villains, first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1997.
– MCU versions of Thunderbolts will include characters like Yelena Belova, John Walker, Red Guardian, Task Master, and possibly the Winter Soldier.
– A potential plot includes Valentina Allegra de Fontaine recruiting the team to kill someone in a vault, only for the team to realize they've been set up.
– The filming of Thunderbolts has been pushed back, and its official release date has been set for May 2, 2025.
After a tricky 2023, all eyes are on Marvel as it prepares to unveil its new endeavor – the much-anticipated film, Thunderbolts*. Thunderbolts, which emerged in the Marvel universe in 1997, are overwhelmed villains posing as heroes who want a second chance at redemption. Putting it simply, picture DC's Suicide Squad, but Marvel style. Characters such as Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Norman Osborne previously led the team.
Joining the Thunderbolts
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has a different spin. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, assembles the team. She's popped up in various places, including recruitment in Falcon And The Winter Soldier and Black Widow. Members include John Walker, aka US Agent, (Wyatt Russell), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), and likely The Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). The team will go against the powerful Sentry.
Sentry: A Forgotten Marvel Legend?
Interestingly, Sentry is not a new creation but a rediscovery. Marvel brought him back into their current sequence in 2000, introducing him as a long-lost character. With super strength, the ability to fly, and mental instability that could destruct the entire Marvel Universe, he made quite the entrance. Although Steven Yeun was initially cast as Sentry, scheduling conflicts resulted in his withdrawal, leaving the role open with Lewis Pullman rumorously under consideration.
The Story So Far
Here's what the plot might look like, according to industry insider Daniel Richtman. Valentina sends Yelena, US Agent, Ghost, and Taskmaster to eliminate someone in a vault. However, they realize it's a set-up, leading them to unite and plan against Valentina. Meanwhile, although Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross has been the team's assembler in the comics, he won't appear in the upcoming Thunderbolts.
A Glimpse into the Future
Fascinatingly, the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con released a trailer for Thunderbolts. From this, we learn that Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might be the villain of the story. Fans will have to wait until its official release on May 2, 2025, to find out more. With Captain America: Brave New World preceding Thunderbolts and only one Marvel release set for 2024 – Deadpool and Wolverine, it seems 2025 will be the year Marvel regains control.
Eyes on MCU for Now
While we wait for Thunderbolts, MCU plans to release four series on Disney+ before the year ends – Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, Eyes Of Wakanda, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and Marvel Zombies. Will fans stay loyal to Marvel while they wait for Thunderbolts? That's a question only time can answer.
Excited for Thunderbolts or have thoughts about the direction of the MCU? Let us know in the comments.
Stay tuned for more updates as they unfold in Marvel's cinematic universe. The journey to 2025 promises to be exciting!
