Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts, the studio’s first film released in 2025, currently has a release date of May 2, 2025. The action-packed flick features an untraditional team of misfit, superpowered antiheroes. They all very much deliver on the hype to engage audiences with their rich storytelling and distinct worlds. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film has created a lot of excitement, much of it speculating that this will serve as the introduction to a new Avengers style initiative.
The Thunderbolts screenplay is being written by Eric Pearson, Lee Sung Jin, and Joanna Calo. This trio aims to bring a fresh perspective to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by focusing on characters that have traditionally existed on the fringes. The picture boasts a truly extraordinary, diverse ensemble cast. Rounding out the cast is Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, and David Harbour as Red Guardian. Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost. Starring are Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and Lewis Pullman as “Bob.”
Thunderbolts differs from the typical hero path we’ve seen in all the other Marvel movies, as it’s primarily focused on a team of antiheroes. This unlikely ensemble seeks to unpack shades of grey and good and evil, the realities of flawed heroism and villainy. The film’s budget is estimated at $70 million, reflecting Marvel’s ongoing investment in expanding its cinematic universe.
The studio has been filing reactions to test screenings of Thunderbolts which have been overwhelmingly positive. Theater owners CinemaCon last week got to see special footage. Their curiosity was certainly piqued, with this sneak peek adding to their anticipation for the film’s release.
“The studio says the response to the film has been strong among those treated to early screenings, as well as among theater owners, who saw footage of Thunderbolts at CinemaCon last week.” – The studio
In particular, Thunderbolts should lay the groundwork for what’s to come in the MCU. Perhaps most importantly, it will lead directly to the formation of a new Avengers team. Characters, such as Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes, add the ideal combination of nostalgia and new energy. Their addition, if they are included, could change the superhero genre for good.