Marvel's Thunderbolts Cast EXPOSED: The Secret Anti-Hero Team Changing the MCU Forever!

While they might not be the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, Fantastic Four, or Eternals, Marvel is gathering a fresh team together in “Thunderbolts.

In the latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we’re assembling an ensemble cast from previous films and series such as “Black Widow,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and others. Instead of a team of lethal killers like DC’s “Suicide Squad,” think of it more as a group with fewer instances of violence and gruesome scenes.

The Thunderbolts team, put together by the enigmatic Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), consists of Black Widow agent Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh); Bucky Barnes, also known as the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan); Yelena’s adopted father and Russian super soldier Red Guardian (David Harbour); the pretender to Captain America’s role, John Walker (Wyatt Russell); the stealthy and phasing agent Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen); and the battle-hardened Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). Upon discovering they have been deceived by Valentina, this band of anti-heroes embark on their initial mission to safeguard an ordinary man named Bob (Lewis Pullman), who conceals a secret identity as the super-strong character Sentry from comic books.

Another intriguing aspect about ‘Thunderbolts’ is the meaning behind that mysterious asterisk. Don’t worry though, as Marvel enthusiasts eager for answers will soon find out.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d rephrase Peter Debruge’s statement like this: “This upcoming movie, ‘Thunderbolts’, might star characters you may not recall or struggle to name in a pinch. However, once you watch it, you’ll need to recognize these six faces and remember the plot twists. Be prepared for surprise quizzes on the events of ‘Thunderbolts’ anytime – even with an asterisk (*) following its title. The motley crew in this film – a blend of hot-headed outcasts and unknown entities – can’t seem to decide on a team name, but they’re all too aware that they represent the underdogs of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The newly assembled team is equally prepared to shape the upcoming chapters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as several key characters have been announced for the 2023’s “Avengers: Doomsday.” Delve into the background of these characters and their previous roles within the MCU by reading the details provided below.

Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)

Recent appearances: “Black Widow,” “Hawkeye”

Similar to her adopted sister, Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Yelena is an accomplished assassin who endured the harsh training of Russia’s ruthless Red Room as a child. In “Hawkeye,” she was tasked by Valentina to kill Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) for supposedly killing Natasha, but she spares him upon discovering that Natasha sacrificed herself to save the universe in “Endgame.” Since then, she’s been mourning her sister’s death and has grown apart from their adopted father, Alexei, who is also known as the Red Guardian.

Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some epic chapters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe lately. Here are my thoughts on a few:

1. “Stepping into the boots of Captain America once more, I found myself immersed in the captivating narrative of ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’ The film is a testament to the enduring spirit of our favorite hero.”

2. “In ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,’ I joined Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes on their action-packed journey, exploring themes of identity and leadership within the MCU.”

3. “Reuniting with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ I was left breathless by the emotional depth and thrilling battles that unfolded on screen.”

4. “In ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ I braced myself for the cosmic showdown against Thanos, a battle that tested the limits of our heroes’ courage and resilience.”

Among the members of the Thunderbolts, Bucky Barnes has been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) the longest, with his debut tracing back to the initial “Captain America” film in 2011. In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” he managed to overcome his past as a mind-controlled assassin for Hydra. More recently, in “Captain America: Brave New World,” it was disclosed that Bucky is on his way to becoming a U.S. Congressman. Despite his new political role, it appears that Bucky hasn’t completely abandoned his life as a superhero.

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve recently graced the screens in these blockbusters: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Black Widow,” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a new figure on the scene, now leads the Central Intelligence Agency and manages the Thunderbolts. In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”, she chose John Walker to become the U.S. Agent following his ruthless murder of an innocent civilian; in “Hawkeye”, she dispatched Yelena with a deadly mission against Clint Barton; moreover, she acquired Avengers Tower as her operational headquarters. She’s reminiscent of Nick Fury, with a mysterious aura surrounding her objectives. In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, it was unveiled that she used to be married to CIA operative Everett K. Ross (portrayed by Martin Freeman).

Red Guardian (David Harbour)

Recent appearances: “Black Widow,” “What If…?”

Alexei Shostakov is recognized as the Red Guardian, the Soviet Union’s super-soldier counterpart to Captain America, and a slightly unconventional yet caring father figure to Yelena. He boasts about having faced off against Cap in the ’80s; since then, Alexei has let himself go somewhat, but continues to fight alongside Yelena.

John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell)

Recent appearances: “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”

In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” I was designated as the government-assigned Captain America, infused with Super Soldier serum. However, my public act of taking a civilian’s life significantly harmed my reputation. Subsequently, I crafted my own Captain America shield and was enlisted by Valentina for clandestine operations, operating as her U.S. Agent.

Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)

Recent appearances: “Ant-Man the Wasp”

Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, possesses an extraordinary ability that makes her body invisible and able to pass through surfaces briefly. She debuted in “Ant-Man and the Wasp” as a renegade assassin serving a corrupt version of S.H.I.E.L.D., seeking mastery over her unpredictable powers. Now, with her abilities under control, Ava serves Valentina.

Bob/Sentry (Lewis Pullman)

Recent appearances: None

In the comic books, Robert “Bob” Reynolds embodies the character similar to Superman, possessing abilities like flying, immense strength, and invincibility. However, he also serves as a host for the Void, a malevolent force dwelling within Bob that thrives on negative energy.

Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko)

Recent appearances: “Black Widow”

Antonia Dreykov is another alumna of the Red Room, a Soviet program that trained female assassins, overseen by her father (Ray Winstone). In the movie “Black Widow,” she appeared as the masked Taskmaster, facing off against Yelena and Natasha. She boasts an extraordinary ability to mimic fighting techniques after observing them, having mastered Captain America’s shield and Hawkeye’s bow, among others.

Mel (Geraldine Viswanathan)