Key takeaways:
• Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts movie has comic fans excited after a turbulent 2023.
• The Thunderbolts team, first featured in Marvel Comics in 1997, consists of reformed supervillains.
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is set to head the dynamic team.
• Characters like John Walker, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Task Master, Ghost, and possibly Bucky Barnes are on the roster.
• Steven Yeun was initially cast as the powerful The Sentry but had to step down due to scheduling conflicts.
• The plot of the movie revolves around the team being pitted against their boss, Val.
• The movie release date is set for May 2, 2025 and is currently shooting in IMAX format.
Marvel had a tricky time in 2023, with underperforming properties and losing big villains like Jonathan Majors. But comic fans are resting their hopes on Marvel's upcoming projects, and one of them is Thunderbolts. Here's all we know about the project.
All About The Thunderbolts
The Thunderbolts, a group of superheroes (or supervillains in disguise?), debuted in The Incredible Hulk in 1997. They successfully tricked other hero teams and S.H.I.E.L.D to obtain their secrets, planning to sell them. Later, some members decided they preferred to be real heroes, causing a group fallout. The MCU version of the Thunderbolts is a government-funded strike team comprising reformed supervillains – quite similar to DC's Suicide Squad. They've been led by characters like Norman Osborne, Black Widow, and Hawkeye.
Who Makes Up The MCU Team?
In the MCU version, we've seen Julia Louis-Dreyfus's character, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, recruiting team members in various projects. Alongside John Walker and Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Task Master, Ghost and possibly Bucky Barnes a.k.a The Winter Soldier, may gel up this diverse team. The team is predicted to take on the formidable The Sentry.
Who's The Sentry?
Initially marketed as a rediscovered old Marvel character, The Sentry was introduced in 2000 as Marvel's own version of Superman. His story, however, twisted into a mentally unstable hero who could potentially destroy the entire Marvel Universe. Steven Yeun was primed to play The Sentry, but scheduling clashes prompted him to step down. The role is set to be re-cast soon.
The Rumored Plot and Release Date
Industry insider Daniel Richtman suggests the plot might involve Val sending the team on a doomed mission, which they survive and seek revenge against her. Unfortunately, fans will have to be patient, as the movie is slated for release on May 2, 2025, with shooting currently underway in IMAX format.
MARVEL fans can, in the meantime, look forward to four Disney+ series released before the end of the year, including Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, Eyes Of Wakanda, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and Marvel Zombies.
Marvel's 2023 performance has undoubtedly raised questions about fan loyalty, but the much-anticipated Thunderbolts movie offers hope for a resurgence. Fans have eagerly awaited this film for a while, and we hope it fulfills their expectations. Let us know what you think about the future of MCU – are you excited for Thunderbolts?
