Marvel Studios’ *Thunderbolts* brings a fresh take on the superhero team concept, blending morally ambiguous characters into a darker version of the Avengers. Announced in July 2022, with Jake Schreier directing and Lee Sung Jin penning the script, the film has been highly anticipated. The project serves as a sequel to several MCU stories, such as *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*, *Black Widow*, and *Captain America: New World Order*. Scheduled for release on July 26, 2024, *Thunderbolts* features an impressive ensemble cast.
Key Returning Characters in Thunderbolts
Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
Bucky Barnes, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, continues his journey in *Thunderbolts*. Initially introduced in *Captain America: The First Avenger* (2011), Bucky’s evolution from Hydra’s brainwashed assassin to the “White Wolf” of Wakanda is well-documented. Now, he stands as a crucial member of this new team.
Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova / Black Widow
Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova, first seen in *Black Widow*. Trained in the Red Room alongside Natasha Romanoff, Yelena now works under Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a relationship that leads her into the ranks of the Thunderbolts.
Wyatt Russell as John Walker / US Agent
Wyatt Russell reprises his role as John Walker, introduced in *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*. Once Captain America’s replacement, Walker’s aggressive tactics and moral conflicts led to his transformation into a US Agent, a super-soldier with questionable stability.
David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian
David Harbour’s Red Guardian, introduced in Black Widow, joins the Thunderbolts as a seasoned Soviet super-soldier. As Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova’s “father” figure, his inclusion adds another layer of complexity to the team’s dynamics.
Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr / Ghost
Ghost, played by Hannah John-Kamen, returns after her debut in *Ant-Man and the Wasp*. Her quantum-based powers make her a formidable, if unstable, member of the Thunderbolts.
Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster
Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster from *Black Widow*, is another key addition. Once under the control of her father, General Dreykov, her ability to mimic any fighting style makes her an unpredictable asset to the team.
New and Returning Faces Behind the Scenes
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra De Fontaine
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a recurring figure in the MCU’s Phase 4, assembles this team of antiheroes. As the CIA Director, her motivations remain shrouded in mystery, but her influence is undeniable.
Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross
Harrison Ford steps into the role of Thaddeus Ross, replacing the late William Hurt. Ross, now the U.S. President, is poised to become the Red Hulk, potentially setting the stage for creating the Thunderbolts as a government-controlled team.
Lewis Pullman as “Bob”
Lewis Pullman joins the cast in an unconfirmed role, widely speculated to be Sentry, a character known as one of Marvel’s most powerful heroes. This remains speculation, with official confirmation likely reserved for the film’s release.
Reference
Also, check out: