Thunderbolts* brings a team of antiheroes, including Yelena, Bucky, and Red Guardian, on a perilous mission for redemption. It concludes Phase Five and streams on JioHotstar after its theatrical run.
Last Updated: 01.43 PM, Apr 30, 2025
A group of antiheroes are compelled to join forces for a perilous mission, and there's a chance for atonement in Marvel Studios' newest superhero adventure, Thunderbolts*. Just like previous recent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, the film will have an exclusive streaming debut on JioHotstar later in 2025 after its successful theatrical run. The film is scheduled for May 1, 2025, in India.
Thunderbolts* is the last installment in Phase Five and the 36th film in the MCU. It is directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. This film features an A-list ensemble that includes Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, David Harbour, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Sebastian Stan (watch Destroyer).
Thunderbolts* introduces the audience to a band of disillusioned antiheroes who, to escape Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's fatal trap, must set aside their differences. Florence Pugh (watch Little Women) plays Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan plays Bucky Barnes, David Harbour plays Red Guardian, Olga Kurylenko plays Taskmaster, Hannah John-Kamen plays Ghost, and Wyatt Russell plays U.S. Agent. These ex-soldiers, spies, and criminals come together to embark on a task that could either bring them redemption or cause rifts between them.
Thunderbolts* looks like it will be a thrilling addition to the MCU, with high-stakes action, character arcs that go deep emotionally, and plenty of conflict between the characters. Among the characters' pasts that are explored in Avengers: Endgame is Yelena Belova, played by Pugh, who is still grieving the death of her sister Natasha Romanoff.
The intricate interplay between Yelena and Alexei Shostakov, alias the Red Guardian, played by David Harbour, is one of the film's most captivating elements. This film expands upon the themes raised in Black Widow regarding the relationship between the father and daughter. The connection between Pugh and Harbour as Yelena struggles with her unresolved love for Shostakov gives the film an emotional depth.
Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan again, has become the Thunderbolts' de facto leader. A prominent theme in his Marvel Cinematic Universe appearances has been his quest to redeem himself as a former brainwashed assassin, and Thunderbolts* will delve further into his internal conflict about his deeds from the past.
Thunderbolts* also introduces a slew of intriguing new characters, such as Geraldine Viswanathan's Mel, the secretary of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and Lewis Pullman's Bob/Sentry, whose abilities include spreading darkness as the indestructible Void. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back as CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who wants authority and power so much that she arranges for the squad to be formed.
By continuing Marvel Studios' long-running practice of streaming their blockbusters exclusively on JioHotstar, Thunderbolts* will allow viewers to immerse themselves in the exciting world of antiheroes without ever leaving the house, even after its theatrical debut. In late 2025, Marvel fans may anticipate the film's release on the streaming platform.