Thunderbolts*, the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), premiered on April 22, 2025, and was released in the United States on May 2, 2025, serving as the final film of Phase Five[1]. The film was directed by Jake Schreier and features an ensemble cast including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, among others[1]. The story follows a group of antiheroes, such as Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker, who are forced to work together on a perilous mission after falling into a deadly trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine[5].
The film’s title uses an asterisk—a creative decision tied to the plot. By the end, the team is officially rebranded as the New Avengers, a transformation reflected during the end credits and in post-release marketing[1]. This narrative twist is also a meta-commentary on the changing landscape of the MCU, marking a shift in the team’s identity[4].
Thunderbolts* not only stands as a character-driven, emotionally rich entry in the franchise but also actively sets up the upcoming crossover event Avengers: Doomsday (2026). The post-credits scene, directed by the Russo brothers, features the New Avengers receiving a signal from an interdimensional spacecraft with a large “4” emblem—hinting at the introduction of the Fantastic Four into the MCU and laying the groundwork for future storylines[2][4][7].
Despite positive critical reception, especially for its focus on character and redemption themes, the film underperformed at the box office, grossing around $382 million worldwide[1][6]. Reviews frequently praised its departure from CGI-heavy action in favor of emotional depth, and even addressed the team’s lack of superpowered members with self-aware humor in the script[4].
Thunderbolts* became available for streaming on Disney+ on August 27, 2025, allowing a broader audience to experience the newest iteration of Marvel’s antiheroes[5].