The Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to unveil a new chapter with the release of "Thunderbolts" on May 2, 2025, introducing a team of unlikely heroes who navigate their personal traumas while facing external threats. The film, featuring familiar faces like Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, and Hannah John-Kamen, promises a departure from the traditional superhero formula by embracing a more grounded and emotional narrative.
In a recent interview with On The Red Carpet, Sebastian Stan, who reprises his role as Bucky Barnes, humorously remarked about the film's action, saying, "There wasn't enough!" This lighthearted comment underscores the film's commitment to balancing thrilling action with deep character exploration. Wyatt Russell, who plays John Walker, the U.S. Agent, explained the film's raw intensity, stating, "The violence comes from the fact that they're all misfits. We come from a place of anger and feeling like we don't really belong." He added, "Normally, you don't see superheroes fight angry; they fight responsibly. We fight angry because there's nothing left to lose."
Florence Pugh, returning as Yelena Belova, emphasized the personal struggles that drive the story, noting, "I think they're all desperate. They're really clinging on. Even their fighting styles, their arguing, it all feels like they're on the brink of a breakdown. Everyone's on a boiling point of who's going to snap first." This sentiment reflects a stark contrast to the typical superhero narratives where characters often embody unwavering confidence and heroism.
Adding to the film's emotional depth, Lewis Pullman, a newcomer to the Marvel franchise, discussed how his character Bob's internal conflict helped him connect with the broader narrative. "In some ways, I connected with the more human side of my character," he shared. "That was my jumping-off point into the bigger, more fantastical parts of the story." This human-centric approach is a hallmark of "Thunderbolts", setting it apart from previous Marvel offerings.
Wyatt Russell also voiced his determination to challenge skeptics of the film, stating, "We came to this as a group of people who were like, ‘Let’s make this our own thing, let’s make it great and let’s make people put their foot in their mouths.’" He described the film as tackling themes of loneliness and depression, particularly in relation to his character. Russell acknowledged the risks involved in departing from the traditional Marvel storytelling, saying, "Yeah, a little bit. How do you go from making the kind of [Marvel] movies that you’ve seen the past 15 years — and knowing how most of those movies have performed — to then doing anything outside the realm of what you’ve known Marvel to be? It’s a departure in any way, shape, or form — and a risk."
As the film approaches its release, the characters of "Thunderbolts" are finally getting their due, with their respective traumas coming to the forefront. The Phase 5 finale of the Marvel Cinematic Universe explores how some of its morally grey individuals handle the challenges of saving the world. John Walker and Alexei Shostakov, a.k.a. U.S. Agent and Red Guardian, respectively, will be central to this exploration as Russell and Harbour reprise their roles from previous MCU projects.
David Harbour, who plays Alexei, reflected on his character's evolution from "Black Widow" to "Thunderbolts", emphasizing the importance of honoring the family dynamic established in earlier films. He stated, "When you lose a central figure in a family, sometimes the family members react in very unique, specific ways. However, when the Thunderbolts story picks up with them, it's rough around the edges. When they start out, Alexei's in a very bad place and [so is], I think, the dynamic between the two of them." Harbour elaborated on the impact of Natasha Romanoff's death, saying, "What's destroyed both of them is Natasha's death, which they can't process in their own ways."
Russell also previewed U.S. Agent's redemption arc in "Thunderbolts", explaining, "You find John in this place where he's still hiding everything in bravado. He's hiding all of his insecurities with this facade of, 'I am still the best, even though I may have made choices that weren't Captain America choices.'" He added, "The redemptive arc is, 'Listen to other people. Get out of your way. Connect with these people. And if you do, by the way, you're going to find some element of team and a little bit of redemption at the end of it.'"
As the anticipation builds for the film's release, fans are eager to see how these characters will navigate their complex emotions and relationships while confronting external threats. With multiple cast members confirmed for the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday", the stakes are higher than ever for the heroes of "Thunderbolts". The film promises to offer a fresh perspective on the superhero genre, focusing on the intricacies of human experience rather than solely on spectacular battles.
In a world where superhero narratives often prioritize spectacle over substance, "Thunderbolts*" aims to carve its own path. As the characters grapple with their pasts and seek redemption, audiences can expect a film that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper emotional level. Marvel Studios has set the stage for a compelling story that challenges the conventions of the genre, and fans are ready to embrace this new era of storytelling.
