Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* later revealed as The New Avengers is not your usual superhero movie. This film blends action, emotion and a touch of weirdness in ways Marvel has not dared to try in years. It is not just another team up film – it is about misfits, trauma, mental health and a slow rise to heroism.
Quick Overview of Thunderbolts*
| Feature | Details |
| Original Title | Thunderbolts* |
| New Title | The New Avengers |
| Release Date | May 2, 2025 |
| Genre | Superhero / Action / Drama |
| Director | Jake Schreier |
| Writers | Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo, Lee Sung Jin |
| Main Cast | Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hannah John-Kamen, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman |
| Production Studios | Marvel Studios |
| Budget | Approx. $200–225 million |
| Marketing Spend | $75–100 million |
What’s the Movie Thunderbolts* About?
Unlike typical Marvel stories where heroes save the world, this film is more personal. It focuses on a group of damaged characters who are not quite villains but not exactly heroes either.
Team of the Movie Thunderbolts*
| Character | Actor | Role in the Team |
| Yelena Belova | Florence Pugh | Emerging leader with deep emotional scars |
| Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier | Sebastian Stan | Haunted by his past and struggling to find peace |
| Red Guardian | David Harbour | Aging Soviet-era hero, trying to stay relevant |
| Ghost | Hannah John-Kamen | Lives in emotional and social isolation |
| Taskmaster | Olga Kurylenko | Skilled fighter, tragically dies early in the film |
| U.S. Agent / John Walker | Wyatt Russell | Unpredictable, morally grey, wants redemption |
| Sentry / Bob Reynolds | Lewis Pullman | Extremely powerful, battling inner demons and depression |
| Valentina Allegra de Fontaine | Julia Louis-Dreyfus | Mysterious recruiter with unclear intentions |
The Twist: Why the Asterisk in Thunderbolts*?
The asterisk in Thunderbolts* was Marvel’s clever marketing tactic. It hinted at a surprise. In the end, the characters rebrand themselves as The New Avengers, symbolizing a fresh beginning for Marvel’s superhero team legacy.
Filming Highlights of Thunderbolts*
| Detail | Information |
| Started | February 2024 |
| Wrapped | June 2024 |
| Locations | Atlanta (USA), Utah (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) |
| Stunt Note | Florence Pugh performed a real stunt by jumping off Merdeka 118, Malaysia’s tallest skyscraper |
Themes of Thunderbolts*
One of the film’s biggest surprises was how much it focused on internal struggles. Especially for Bob (Sentry) who battles the dark version of himself — the Void.
Marvel introduced a unique concept called “Shame Rooms”, where each team member faces their darkest memories.
| Character | Shame Room Description |
| Yelena | Failing to save Natasha (Black Widow) |
| Bucky | A disturbing childhood memory from Boy Scouts |
| Red Guardian | Being thrown into a Russian gulag |
| Ghost | Her isolated childhood in an orphanage |
| Walker | Facing his actions and doubts as a failed “hero” |
| Sentry (Bob) | His self-hate and fears of his own power |
These scenes were filmed using handheld cameras for a raw, indie film feel inspired by movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Music & Trailers of Thunderbolts*
- Band: Son Lux (Known for experimental scores)
- Recording Location: Abbey Road Studios, London
- Main Trailer Song: “Where Is My Mind?” by the Pixies
- A Letterboxd-exclusive trailer gave it an A24-style indie movie vibe, with techno music and arts cuts.
Box Office Performance of Thunderbolts*
| Metric | Value |
| Opening Weekend (Domestic) | $74 million |
| Worldwide Gross (as of June 29) | $381.7 million |
| Break-even Target | $425 million |
| Status | Underperforming |
Post-Credit Scene (Spoiler!) of Thunderbolts*
14 months later… The New Avengers detect a mysterious ship entering Earth. Surprise: it’s the Fantastic Four.
This scene was filmed on the set of the upcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday, and confirms that these characters will return in Marvel’s next big crossover.
Cool Marketing Touches of Thunderbolts*
- Wheaties cereal box poster – Thunderbolts team mocked up like sports stars
- Limited edition Wheaties boxes – Sold in stores
- Partnerships: Harley-Davidson, LinkedIn, Tide and more
- Asterisk posters – Tagline: “The Avengers Are Not Available”
Home Release of Thunderbolts*
| Format | Date |
| Digital | July 1, 2025 |
| Blu-ray/DVD | July 29, 2025 |
| Bonus Features | Deleted scenes, commentary, gag reels, featurettes |
Also read: F1: The Movie (2025) – All You Need to Know
