The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the gift that just keeps on giving. On July 25th, long-awaited blockbuster The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be released on the big screen, with Matt Shakman directing this second reboot of the famous franchise. However, you don’t have to wait that long to get your fix of superhero action, as there’s a Marvel movie showing at Cineworld from THIS WEEKEND.
Jake Schreier’s Thunderbolts* (released May 1st) sees a ragtag group of antiheroes being assigned by CIA agent Valentina Allegra de Fontaine to undertake a dangerous mission. What they don’t realise is that it's a trap, and the only way they can survive is by delving into the darkest secrets from their past.
But who exactly are the antiheroes in question, and how do they fit into the widearvel story? To give you a clearer picture, here’s a lowdown on all the main Thunderbolts* characters…
Thunderbolts* is showing at Cineworld in IMAX / IMAX 3D, 4DX, ScreenX, Superscreen and standard 2D
Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
The ever-reliable Florence Pugh reprises her role as the Red Room-trained assassin and adoptive sister of Natasha Romanoff. Yelena serves as the emotional anchor of the team, but, like the others, is forced to deal with past regrets – in her case, accusing Clint Barton of being responsible for Natasha's death (as seen in the 2021 TV series Hawkeye). Pugh is set to return as Yelena Belova in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for a 2026 release.
Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)
Bucky Barnes is something of a Marvel stalwart, having appeared in multiple MCU films as well as the TV series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The closest friend of Steve Rogers – with whom he fought during the Second World War – Bucky was presumed to have been killed in battle, subsequently found by Soviet forces and transformed into a killing machine by HYDRA. In Thunderbolts, Bucky acts as the de facto leader, aiming to unify the team and guide them toward redemption.
John Walker / U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell)
Another U.S. Army veteran, Walker was appointed to succeed Steve Rogers as the second Captain America, but was later discharged after shooting an unarmed terrorist. He was subsequently recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine to serve his country in secret as U.S. Agent. Walker brings combat experience to the Thunderbolts* team, though his temperament adds tension to the group's dynamics.
Ava Starr / Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
Making her second appearance in an MCU film (she was also in 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp), Ava Starr was exposed to quantum energy as a child, an incident that left her with the ability to phase through matter. She was later recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D. to carry out covert operations in exchange for their help in finding a cure. However, it never materialised and, feeling used, she eventually left the organisation. Now, she’s seeking stability and a sense of belonging within the Thunderbolts* team.
Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian (David Harbour)
David Harbour is one of the best character actors around, and he once again excels in this new Marvel release. Last seen in 2021 movie Black Widow, when he served as a father figure to Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova, his character Red Guardian is a super-soldier – kind of like the Soviet equivalent of Captain America. In Thunderbolts*, he provides both comic relief and emotional support, striving to reconnect with Yelena and reclaim his heroic identity.
Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko)
The daughter of Red Room leader General Dreykov, Antonia was nearly killed during an attempt on her father’s life. As part of her rehabilitation, she was fitted with a chip that controlled her mind and body, and transformed into Taskmaster – an agent capable of mimicking any fighting style. Having had the proverbial shackles removed in Black Widow, she now seeks her own path, separate from her father's influence.
Bob / Sentry / The Void (Lewis Pullman)
One of the most complex characters in Thunderbolts*, Robert Reynolds – aka Bob – suffers from amnesia, which means he often forgets that he’s actually an incredibly powerful being known as Sentry. Not just that, though – he also has a dark alter ego called the Void. This causes significant challenges for the rest of the Thunderbolts* team, forcing them to confront their own inner demons.
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
Bringing all of the above characters together in Thunderbolts* is this high-ranking CIA official, appearing here in her third Marvel movie after Black Widow and 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Highly manipulative, Valentina assembles the team under the guise of a covert operation. However, her true intentions are gradually revealed, serving as a catalyst for the team's rebellion against her control.
Photos: Copyright of Disney / Marvel Studios
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