San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2024 was a pivotal moment for Marvel fans, especially those eagerly anticipating the upcoming film Thunderbolts. The Marvel Studios panel in Hall H on July 27, 2024, was dedicated to this highly anticipated project, and it did not disappoint. With the full cast and crew present, fans were treated to exclusive footage, exciting reveals, and a deeper look into what promises to be one of the most unique entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The panel began with an introduction by actor and comedian Rob Delaney, who brought out director Jake Schreier and an ensemble cast that included Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour. In a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the film, David Harbour appeared in full Red Guardian costume, a move that was met with cheers and laughter from the audience.
The cast shared a sneak peek of an exclusive scene from the movie, which highlighted an action-packed and irreverent team-up between Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh, and the rest of the Thunderbolts crew. The footage teased a perfect blend of humor, action, and the dynamic character interactions that have become a hallmark of the MCU.
Thunderbolts is set to be the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it brings together some of the franchise’s most unexpected characters. Directed by Jake Schreier, with a script penned by Eric Pearson, Lee Sung Jin, and Joanna Calo, the film stars an impressive ensemble, including Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
The film, which centers on a group of anti-heroes undertaking missions for the government, has been in development since 2021, with Jake Schreier officially attached as director in 2022. The cast was assembled over several months, with the film facing delays due to the Hollywood labor disputes in 2023. Despite these challenges, filming began in early 2024, with principal photography taking place at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and on location in Utah.
Thunderbolts is shaping up to be a unique addition to the MCU, with its focus on characters who have often operated on the fringes of heroism. The inclusion of actors like Florence Pugh and David Harbour, who bring a mix of gravitas and humor to their roles, suggests that the film will explore both the dark and comedic aspects of its characters.
Marvel Studios has been teasing the formation of a Thunderbolts team for several years, and SDCC 2024 provided a clearer picture of what fans can expect. The film’s narrative appears to focus on a team of misfits and outcasts, a theme that resonates with many of the characters’ backstories. This is not your typical superhero team, and that’s precisely what makes Thunderbolts so intriguing.
The creative team, including director Jake Schreier and writers Eric Pearson, Lee Sung Jin, and Joanna Calo, have crafted a story that is both a continuation of the characters’ journeys in previous MCU films and a fresh, standalone narrative. The film’s setting, which spans multiple real-world locations, adds to its grounded, global scale. Executive producer Brian Chapek emphasized that the film would feature practical effects and on-location shooting to maintain a sense of realism, a departure from the more CGI-heavy recent Marvel films.
As the SDCC panel wrapped up, the excitement among fans was unmistakable. The exclusive footage, the return of beloved characters, and the promise of a film that combines humor, action, and complex character dynamics have set the stage for Thunderbolts to be a standout entry in the MCU. The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 2, 2025, and will serve as the concluding chapter of Phase Five of the MCU.
Marvel Studios’ ability to generate excitement and anticipation was on full display at SDCC 2024, and Thunderbolts is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on any new developments as the release date approaches, eager to see how this unconventional team of anti-heroes will leave their mark on the Marvel Cinematic Univers
Synopsis :
Gathering of super-villains and anti-heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sent on secret missions in an attempt to redeem themselves.
Thunderbolts
Directed by Jake Schreier
Written by Eric Pearson, Lee Sung Jin, Joanna Calo
Based on Thunderbolts by Kurt Busiek, Mark Bagley
Produced by Kevin Feige
Starring Sebastian Stan, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Olga Kurylenko, Harrison Ford, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan
Cinematography : Andrew Droz Palermo
Edited by Harry Yoon, Angela M. Catanzaro
Production company : Marvel Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release date : April 30,2024 (France), May 2, 2025 (United States)
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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville